Lecture Notes: The Assembly of the Achaeans and Achilles' Refusal

Context

• The Trojans and Achaeans are in conflict.
• Immortal panic grips the Achaeans as they face grief and turmoil.
• Agamemnon, leader of the Achaeans, is disheartened by the situation.

Key Events

Agamemnon's Assembly

• Agamemnon summons the Achaeans to a silent assembly.
• He expresses despair, feeling deceived by Zeus, who promised victory.
• Agamemnon proposes returning to Argos in disgrace.

Diomedes' Response

• Diomedes challenges Agamemnon, urging courage.
• He criticizes Agamemnon's leadership but vows to continue fighting with other willing Achaeans.

Nestor's Advice

• Nestor advises to wait for morning and not lose hope.
• Suggests preparing for battle and gathering wise counsel.
• Proposes a feast to lift the spirits of the leaders.

Agamemnon's Offer to Achilles

• Agamemnon acknowledges his folly and offers Achilles substantial gifts to return to battle:
  • Seven unfired tripods, ten talents of gold, twenty cauldrons.
  • Twelve horses, seven Lesbos women, including Briseis.
  • Potential marriage to one of Agamemnon’s daughters.

Achilles' Response

• Achilles refuses Agamemnon's gifts, prioritizing personal honor over material wealth.
• He recounts his contributions and grievances, emphasizing the lack of gratitude.
• Achilles questions the value of fighting for others' gains.
• Announces his intention to return home, prioritizing life over glory.

Phoenix's Plea

• Phoenix, a father figure, pleads with Achilles to relent from his anger.
• Reminds Achilles of moral lessons and the consequences of holding onto rage.
• Tells the story of Meleagros as a cautionary tale of the consequences of withheld aid.

Odysseus and Ajax's Diplomacy

• Odysseus and Ajax attempt to reason with Achilles, highlighting the dire situation.
• Emphasize that even great heroes accept reconciliation.
• Achilles remains steadfast, prioritizing personal grievances over collective needs.

Conclusion of the Assembly

• The envoys return to Agamemnon, recounting Achilles' refusal.
• Diomedes advises the Achaeans to fight without Achilles, focusing on their own strength.
• Encourages readiness for battle at dawn.