Book 24 of The Iliad

Overview

• Book 24 concludes the epic story of The Iliad.
• Achilles drags Hector's corpse around Patroclus' tomb.
• Apollo protects Hector's body from decay and damage.
• Hera, Athena, and Poseidon prevent the gods from returning Hector's body to his family.

Zeus's Decree

• Zeus proposes a compromise:
  • Achilles to return Hector's body for ransom.
  • Priam to bring the ransom personally and alone.
• Priam gathers treasures and prays for approval.
• Zeus sends a huge eagle as a sign of approval.
• Hermes, as Achilles' aide, guides and hides Priam safely.

Priam's Appeal to Achilles

• Priam kneels, kisses Achilles' hands, and appeals to him.
• Their shared grief leads to a mutual weeping.
• Achilles agrees to return Hector's body.
• Achilles offers hospitality and promises to delay attacks until Hector's burial.

Return of Hector's Body

• Fearing capture, Hermes wakes Priam at dawn.
• Guides Priam and Hector's body safely out of the Achaean camp.
• Cassandra sees Priam return, and the city gathers to mourn Hector.
• Andromache, Hecuba, and Helen mourn Hector.
• After nine days of mourning, Hector's body is burned, and bones interred in a golden box.

Themes and Analysis

• Abusing Hector's corpse offends the gods and brings Achilles no honor.
• Achilles weeps for personal losses and empathizes with Priam's pain.
• Achilles pledges to cease attacks, showing compassion without divine influence.
• Achilles' rage subsides, finding humanity but warns Priam not to insult him.
• Zeus's eagle signifies approval and guides Priam through darkness.
• Hermes associated with clear sight, serves as Priam's guide.

Conclusion

• The story ends on an emotional resolution rather than a battle.
• Hector's burial mirrors Patroclus' burial, mourning all the dead.
• The Trojan War narrative continues, but Achilles' rage story ends.