Iliad Book 18 Summary

Key Events

• Achilles' Premonition:

  • Achilles senses that Patroclus is dead.
  • Menelaus' messenger confirms Patroclus' death to Achilles.
  • Achilles expresses immense sorrow, tearing his hair and cursing.

• Achilles' Decision:

  • Decides to put aside his feud with Agamemnon.
  • Determines to return to battle with the sole aim of killing Hector.

• Thetis' Intervention:

  • Achilles' mother, Thetis, advises him to wait before fighting.
  • Promises to bring new armor made by the goddess.

Events on the Battlefield

• Trojan Pursuit:

  • Hector and the Trojans pursue Patroclus' body.

• Divine Assistance:

  • Athena bestows Achilles with god-like powers.
  • Achilles' war cries cause panic among the Trojans.

• Patroclus’ Body:

  • Achaeans reclaim Patroclus' body.
  • Mourning ensues for Patroclus among the Achaeans.

• Achilles’ Vow:

  • Achilles vows not to bury Patroclus until Hector is slain.

Trojan Response

• Polytomus' Advice:

  • Suggests Trojans return to Troy for the night, fearing Achilles' wrath.

• Hector's Defiance:

  • Hector refuses to retreat, vowing to face Achilles.

The Creation of Achilles' Armor

• Thetis' Request to Hephaestus:

  • Asks Hephaestus, the god of fire, for new armor for Achilles.
  • Hephaestus creates a breastplate, helmet, greaves, and ornate shield.

• The Shield's Symbolism:

  • Depicts the cosmos, peace, war, life, and death, symbolizing human existence.

Themes and Reflections

• Achilles' Realization:

  • Understands his anger at Agamemnon led to Patroclus' death.
  • Briefly wishes for a world without anger, but channels his rage towards Hector.

• The Symbolic Shield:

  • Represents both an instrument of war and the broader scope of life.

Mood and Atmosphere

• Achaean Camp:

  • Somber mood; mourning Patroclus' death.

• Trojan Camp:

  • Optimistic mood; led by Hector’s determination.

Conclusion

• The events of Book 18 unfold over a single, transformative day, signaling a turning point in the Achaean and Trojan conflict.