Overview
Book 1 of The Iliad recounts the conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles over a captured woman, leading Achilles to withdraw from battle and seek divine retribution against the Greeks. The gods' internal disputes and interventions intensify the human struggle below.
The Plague and Its Origins
- Apollo sends a plague to the Greek camp because Agamemnon dishonors his priest, Chryses, refusing to ransom Chryses’ daughter.
- Achilles calls an assembly to address the plague after many Greeks die.
- Calchas, the seer, reveals Apollo’s anger is due to Agamemnon’s refusal to return Chryseis, and the plague will not end until she is returned without ransom.
The Quarrel Between Agamemnon and Achilles
- Agamemnon agrees to return Chryseis but demands another prize in her place, threatening to take Achilles’ prize, Briseis.
- Achilles and Agamemnon argue fiercely; Achilles threatens to leave the war.
- Athena, sent by Hera, intervenes to prevent Achilles from attacking Agamemnon, advising restraint and promising future honor.
Nestor's Mediation Attempt
- Nestor tries to reconcile Agamemnon and Achilles, advising Agamemnon not to take Briseis and Achilles not to defy the king.
- Both leaders reject Nestor's advice, escalating the conflict.
Achilles’ Withdrawal and Appeal to Thetis
- Agamemnon sends heralds to take Briseis from Achilles, who lets them do so but vows not to fight for the Greeks any longer.
- Achilles prays to his mother, Thetis, to persuade Zeus to help the Trojans as punishment for his dishonor.
Divine Interventions and Conflict on Olympus
- Thetis visits Zeus, asking him to honor Achilles by causing Greek defeat until they recognize his value.
- Zeus grants Thetis’ request, angering Hera and leading to tension among the gods.
- Hephaestus diffuses the quarrel among the gods, and they feast together.
Decisions
- Agamemnon decides to return Chryseis to appease Apollo.
- Agamemnon takes Briseis from Achilles as compensation.
- Achilles withdraws from battle, refusing to fight for the Greeks.
Action Items
- TBD – Thetis: Petition Zeus to favor the Trojans until Achilles is honored.
- TBD – Ulysses: Return Chryseis to her father and perform sacrifices to Apollo.