The Iliad by Homer - Book 24 Summary

Key Characters

• Achilles: Greek hero mourning his friend Patroclus.
• Hector: Trojan prince, whose body is dishonored by Achilles.
• Patroclus: Deceased comrade of Achilles.
• Priam: King of Troy, father of Hector.
• Thetis: Mother of Achilles, sea goddess.
• Zeus (Jove): King of the gods.
• Apollo: God who protects Hector's body.
• Iris: Messenger goddess.
• Hermes (Mercury): Messenger god, guide of Priam.
• Hecuba: Wife of Priam, mother of Hector.
• Andromache: Wife of Hector.
• Minerva (Athena): Daughter of Zeus.
• Juno (Hera): Queen of the gods.

Plot Summary

Achilles' Grief and Dishonor of Hector

• Achilles mourns Patroclus; sleep eludes him due to grief.
• Yokes horses and drags Hector's body around Patroclus' tomb.
• Apollo protects Hector's body with his aegis.

Divine Intervention

• Gods pity Hector and discuss urging Achilles to return Hector's body.
• Apollo criticizes gods for not rescuing Hector's body.
• Juno argues Achilles deserves more honor as he is the son of a goddess.
• Zeus decides to allow the ransom of Hector's body.

Ransom of Hector's Body

• Iris is sent to Thetis to persuade Achilles to accept a ransom.
• Thetis conveys Zeus' command to Achilles.
• Achilles agrees to accept ransom for Hector's body.

Priam’s Mission

• Priam is instructed by Zeus to ransom Hector's body.
• He prepares a rich ransom and travels to the Greek camp with Idaeus.
• Hermes guides Priam safely to Achilles' tent.

The Meeting of Priam and Achilles

• Priam begs Achilles for Hector's body, relates Achilles' own father.
• Achilles is moved by Priam’s plea and agrees to release Hector’s body.
• Priam and Achilles share a meal; Achilles promises a ceasefire for Hector’s funeral.

Return and Funeral of Hector

• Priam returns to Troy with Hector's body.
• Cassandra alerts the Trojans to Priam's return.
• Andromache, Hecuba, and Helen mourn Hector.
• Hector's body is cremated and buried with full honors.

Themes and Motifs

• Grief and Mourning: Achilles' deep sorrow for Patroclus and Priam's loss of Hector.
• Divine Influence: Gods influencing mortal actions.
• Honor and Respect: Respect for the dead and their families.
• Reconciliation and Compassion: Achilles' compassion towards Priam.

Important Details

• Achilles' anger is tempered by divine intervention.
• The gods' debate over the honor due to mortals.
• The humanizing of enemies through shared grief.

Conclusion

• The epic concludes with a focus on the reconciliation and humanity of its characters in the face of loss, highlighting the themes of compassion and the enduring impact of grief.