Iliad - Book 24 Summary

Key Events and Themes

• Achilles' Actions with Hector's Body:

  • Achilles drags Hector's corpse around Patroclus' tomb for several days.
  • Apollo protects Hector's body from decay and damage.
  • Hera, Athena, and Poseidon prevent other gods from stealing the body.

• Zeus' Intervention and Compromise:

  • Zeus decrees that Achilles must release Hector's body for a ransom.
  • Priam, Hector's father, is to personally bring the ransom.

• Priam's Journey:

  • Priam gathers treasures and prays for Zeus' approval.
  • Zeus confirms with the sign of a huge eagle.
  • Hermes, disguised as an aide, guides Priam safely to Achilles.

• Meeting Between Priam and Achilles:

  • Priam kneels before Achilles and kisses his hands, which moves Achilles.
  • Achilles and Priam weep together, sharing their grief.
  • Achilles agrees to return Hector's body and provides hospitality.
  • Achilles promises not to attack until Hector is properly buried.

• Return and Mourning for Hector:

  • Hermes guides Priam and Hector's body out of the Achaean camp safely.
  • Priam's daughter Cassandra sees his return, and the city gathers to mourn Hector.
  • Andromache, Hecuba, and Helen sing mourning songs.
  • Hector's body is burned and his bones are placed in a golden box after nine days.

Themes and Interpretations

• Gods and Mortals:

  • The gods are deeply involved in the affairs of mortals, protecting and guiding them.
  • Zeus' eagle as a symbol of divine guidance and approval.

• Achilles' Transformation:

  • Achilles' treatment of Hector's body offends the gods and brings no honor.
  • His empathy and shared grief with Priam show a more human side.
  • Achilles' compassion leads him to hold off the Achaean attack, inspired by humanity, not the gods.

• Resolution and Emotional Journey:

  • The emotional resolution marks a departure from focusing on battle.
  • Parallels drawn between the burials of Hector and Patroclus.
  • Mourning extends beyond Hector to all victims of the war.

• End of Achilles' Rage:

  • Achilles' rage concludes with a newfound humanity, though brief.
  • Cautions Priam to avoid rousing anger that could defy Zeus' decree.

• Symbolism:

  • Zeus' eagle symbolizes not just approval, but also guidance through darkness.
  • Hermes, associated with clear sight, guides Priam safely.

Conclusion

• The Iliad concludes with the emotional journeys of its characters rather than a dramatic battle.
• The story of Achilles' rage is concluded, while the Trojan War narrative continues in other tales like The Odyssey.