The Gods Watch the Battle, Neptune Saves AEneas, and Achilles Kills Many Trojans

Thus, then, did the Achaeans arm by their ships round you, O son of Peleus, who were hungering for battle; while the Trojans over against them armed upon the rise of the plain.

So the Achaeans armed themselves by their ships around you, son of Peleus, as you hungered for battle. Meanwhile, the Trojans armed themselves opposite the Achaeans on the higher ground of the plain.

Meanwhile Jove from the top of many-delled Olympus, bade Themis gather the gods in council, whereon she went about and called them to the house of Jove. There was not a river absent except Oceanus, nor a single one of the nymphs that haunt fair groves, or springs of rivers and meadows of green grass. When they reached the house of cloud-compelling Jove, they took their seats in the arcades of polished marble which Vulcan with his consummate skill had made for father Jove.

Meanwhile, from the peak of Olympus with its many valleys, Jove told Themis to gather the gods for a council. So she went around and called them to Jove’s house. Every river except Oceanus was there. So was every nymph living in beautiful groves, river springs, or meadows of green grass. When the gods reached the house of Jove, who gathers the clouds, they sat in its polished marble arcades. Vulcan had built these arcades with supreme skill for father Jove.

In such wise, therefore, did they gather in the house of Jove. Neptune also, lord of the earthquake, obeyed the call of the goddess, and came up out of the sea to join them. There, sitting in the midst of them, he asked what Jove’s purpose might be. “Why,” said he, “wielder of the lightning, have you called the gods in council? Are you considering some matter that concerns the Trojans and Achaeans—for the blaze of battle is on the point of being kindled between them?”

So the gods gathered in the house of Jove. Neptune, lord of earthquakes, also answered the goddess’s call and came up from the sea to join them. Sitting among the gods, he asked what Jove had in mind. “Why,” he said, “wielder of lightning, have you called the gods together for a council? Are you considering some matter concerning the Trojans and Achaeans? For battle is about to flare up between them.”

And Jove answered, “You know my purpose, shaker of earth, and wherefore I have called you hither. I take thought for them even in their destruction. For my own part I shall stay here seated on Mt. Olympus and look on in peace, but do you others go about among Trojans and Achaeans, and help either side as you may be severally disposed. If Achilles fights the Trojans without hindrance they will make no stand against him; they have ever trembled at the sight of him, and now that he is roused to such fury about his comrade, he will override fate itself and storm their city.”

And Jove answered, “You know my purpose, shaker of earth, and why I have called you here. I care for them even as they face destruction. For my part, I will stay seated here on Mt. Olympus and watch in peace. But the rest of you should go among the Trojans and Achaeans and help whichever side you each prefer. If Achilles fights the Trojans without interference, they will not stand against him. The Trojans have always trembled at the sight of him. And now, in his fury over his comrade, Achilles will defy fate itself and storm their city.”

Thus spoke Jove and gave the word for war, whereon the gods took their several sides and went into battle. Juno, Pallas Minerva, earth-encircling Neptune, Mercury bringer of good luck and excellent in all cunning—all these joined the host that came from the ships; with them also came Vulcan in all his glory, limping, but yet with his thin legs plying lustily under him. Mars of gleaming helmet joined the Trojans, and with him Apollo of locks unshorn, and the archer goddess Diana, Leto, Xanthus, and laughter-loving Venus.

So Jove spoke and gave the order for war. Then the gods chose their sides and went into battle. Juno, Pallas Minerva, and earth-encircling Neptune joined the army that had come from the ships. So did Mercury, the bringer of good luck and master of every kind of cunning. Vulcan also came with them in all his glory, limping but moving his thin legs vigorously beneath him. Mars, with his gleaming helmet, joined the Trojans. With him came Apollo with his uncut hair, and Diana, the archer goddess. Leto, Xanthus, and laughter-loving Venus joined them too.

So long as the gods held themselves aloof from mortal warriors the Achaeans were triumphant, for Achilles who had long refused to fight was now with them. There was not a Trojan but his limbs failed him for fear as he beheld the fleet son of Peleus all glorious in his armour, and looking like Mars himself. When, however, the Olympians came to take their part among men, forthwith uprose strong Strife, rouser of hosts, and Minerva raised her loud voice, now standing by the deep trench that ran outside the wall, and now shouting with all her might upon the shore of the sounding sea. Mars also bellowed out upon the other side, dark as some black thunder-cloud, and called on the Trojans at the top of his voice, now from the acropolis, and now speeding up the side of the river Simois till he came to the hill Callicolone.

As long as the gods stayed apart from mortal warriors, the Achaeans were winning. Achilles, who had long refused to fight, was now fighting alongside them. Every Trojan’s limbs weakened with fear at the sight of the swift son of Peleus. Achilles shone in his armor and looked like Mars himself. But when the Olympians joined the fighting among men, mighty Strife, who rouses armies, rose at once. Minerva raised her voice, sometimes standing beside the deep trench outside the wall. At other times, she shouted with all her strength on the shore of the roaring sea. Mars also roared from the other side, dark as a black thundercloud. He called to the Trojans at the top of his voice, sometimes from the acropolis. At other times, he raced along the river Simois until he reached the hill Callicolone.

Thus did the gods spur on both hosts to fight, and rouse fierce contention also among themselves. The sire of gods and men thundered from heaven above, while from beneath Neptune shook the vast earth, and bade the high hills tremble. The spurs and crests of many-fountained Ida quaked, as also the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achaeans. Hades, king of the realms below, was struck with fear; he sprang panic-stricken from his throne and cried aloud in terror lest Neptune, lord of the earthquake, should crack the ground over his head, and lay bare his mouldy mansions to the sight of mortals and immortals—mansions so ghastly grim that even the gods shudder to think of them. Such was the uproar as the gods came together in battle. Apollo with his arrows took his stand to face King Neptune, while Minerva took hers against the god of war; the archer goddess Diana with her golden arrows, sister of far-darting Apollo, stood to face Juno; Mercury the lusty bringer of good luck faced Leto, while the mighty eddying river whom men can Scamander, but gods Xanthus, matched himself against Vulcan.

So the gods drove both armies into battle and stirred up fierce conflict among themselves. The father of gods and men thundered from heaven above. Meanwhile, Neptune shook the vast earth from below and made the high hills tremble. The ridges and peaks of Ida, with its many springs, shook. So did the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achaeans. Hades, king of the underworld, was filled with fear. He leaped from his throne in panic and cried out in terror. He feared that Neptune, lord of earthquakes, would split the ground above his head. Then his moldy halls would lie exposed to mortals and immortals. Those halls were so grim and horrifying that even the gods shudder to think of them. Such was the uproar as the gods met in battle. Apollo, armed with his arrows, took his stand against King Neptune, while Minerva faced the god of war. The archer goddess Diana, with her golden arrows, stood against Juno. Diana was the sister of Apollo, whose arrows flew far. Mercury, the vigorous bringer of good luck, faced Leto. The mighty, swirling river, called Scamander by men but Xanthus by the gods, stood against Vulcan.

The gods, then, were thus ranged against one another. But the heart of Achilles was set on meeting Hector son of Priam, for it was with his blood that he longed above all things else to glut the stubborn lord of battle. Meanwhile Apollo set Aeneas on to attack the son of Peleus, and put courage into his heart, speaking with the voice of Lycaon son of Priam. In his likeness therefore, he said to Aeneas, “Aeneas, counsellor of the Trojans, where are now the brave words with which you vaunted over your wine before the Trojan princes, saying that you would fight Achilles son of Peleus in single combat?”

The gods were now lined up against one another. But Achilles was determined to face Hector son of Priam. Above all else, Achilles longed to satisfy the relentless lord of battle with Hector’s blood. Meanwhile, Apollo urged Aeneas to attack the son of Peleus and filled Aeneas’s heart with courage. Apollo spoke in the voice of Lycaon son of Priam and took on Lycaon’s appearance. In this disguise, Apollo said to Aeneas, “Aeneas, adviser to the Trojans, what has become of your brave words? You boasted over your wine before the Trojan princes that you would fight Achilles son of Peleus in single combat.”

And Aeneas answered, “Why do you thus bid me fight the proud son of Peleus, when I am in no mind to do so? Were I to face him now, it would not be for the first time. His spear has already put me to flight from Ida, when he attacked our cattle and sacked Lyrnessus and Pedasus; Jove indeed saved me in that he vouchsafed me strength to fly, else had I fallen by the hands of Achilles and Minerva, who went before him to protect him and urged him to fall upon the Lelegae and Trojans. No man may fight Achilles, for one of the gods is always with him as his guardian angel, and even were it not so, his weapon flies ever straight, and fails not to pierce the flesh of him who is against him; if heaven would let me fight him on even terms he should not soon overcome me, though he boasts that he is made of bronze.”

And Aeneas answered, “Why do you urge me to fight the proud son of Peleus when I have no wish to? If I faced him now, it would not be the first time. His spear has already driven me from Ida, when he attacked our cattle and sacked Lyrnessus and Pedasus. Jove saved me by giving me the strength to flee. Otherwise, Achilles and Minerva would have killed me. Minerva went ahead of Achilles to protect him and urged him to attack the Lelegae and Trojans. No man can fight Achilles, because one of the gods is always with him as his guardian. Even without that protection, his weapon always flies straight and never fails to pierce his opponent’s flesh. If heaven let me fight him on equal terms, he would not defeat me quickly. That would be true even though he boasts that he is made of bronze.”

Then said King Apollo, son to Jove, “Nay, hero, pray to the ever-living gods, for men say that you were born of Jove’s daughter Venus, whereas Achilles is son to a goddess of inferior rank. Venus is child to Jove, while Thetis is but daughter to the old man of the sea. Bring, therefore, your spear to bear upon him, and let him not scare you with his taunts and menaces.”

Then King Apollo, son of Jove, said, “No, hero, pray to the immortal gods. For people say you were born to Venus, Jove’s daughter, while Achilles is the son of a lower-ranking goddess. Venus is Jove’s child, while Thetis is only the daughter of the old man of the sea. So aim your spear at Achilles, and do not let his taunts and threats frighten you.”

As he spoke he put courage into the heart of the shepherd of his people, and he strode in full armour among the ranks of the foremost fighters. Nor did the son of Anchises escape the notice of white-armed Juno, as he went forth into the throng to meet Achilles. She called the gods about her, and said, “Look to it, you two, Neptune and Minerva, and consider how this shall be; Phoebus Apollo has been sending Aeneas clad in full armour to fight Achilles. Shall we turn him back at once, or shall one of us stand by Achilles and endow him with strength so that his heart fail not, and he may learn that the chiefs of the immortals are on his side, while the others who have all along been defending the Trojans are but vain helpers? Let us all come down from Olympus and join in the fight, that this day he may take no hurt at the hands of the Trojans. Hereafter let him suffer whatever fate may have spun out for him when he was begotten and his mother bore him. If Achilles be not thus assured by the voice of a god, he may come to fear presently when one of us meets him in battle, for the gods are terrible if they are seen face to face.”

As he spoke, he filled the heart of the shepherd of his people with courage. The leader strode in full armor among the front ranks of fighters. White-armed Juno noticed the son of Anchises as he entered the crowd to face Achilles. She gathered the gods around her and said, “You two, Neptune and Minerva, consider what we should do. Phoebus Apollo has been sending Aeneas in full armor to fight Achilles. Shall we turn Aeneas back at once? Or shall one of us stand beside Achilles and give him strength so that his courage does not fail? Then Achilles may learn that the leading immortals are on his side. The other gods, who have defended the Trojans all along, offer only useless help. “Let us all come down from Olympus and join the fight so that the Trojans cannot harm Achilles today. After today, let him suffer whatever fate spun for him when he was conceived and his mother bore him. Unless a god’s voice gives Achilles this assurance, he may soon become afraid when one of us meets him in battle. For the gods are terrifying when seen face to face.”

Neptune lord of the earthquake answered her saying, “Juno, restrain your fury; it is not well; I am not in favour of forcing the other gods to fight us, for the advantage is too greatly on our own side; let us take our places on some hill out of the beaten track, and let mortals fight it out among themselves. If Mars or Phoebus Apollo begin fighting, or keep Achilles in check so that he cannot fight, we too, will at once raise the cry of battle, and in that case they will soon leave the field and go back vanquished to Olympus among the other gods.”

Neptune, lord of earthquakes, answered her, “Juno, control your anger. Such fury is wrong. I am against forcing the other gods to fight us, because our side has far too great an advantage. Let us take our places on some hill away from the main paths. Let mortals fight it out among themselves. If Mars or Phoebus Apollo starts fighting, or holds Achilles back so he cannot fight, we too will act. We will immediately raise the battle cry. Then those gods will soon leave the battlefield in defeat and return to Olympus among the other gods.”

With these words the dark-haired god led the way to the high earth-barrow of Hercules, built round solid masonry, and made by the Trojans and Pallas Minerva for him to fly to when the sea-monster was chasing him from the shore on to the plain. Here Neptune and those that were with him took their seats, wrapped in a thick cloud of darkness; but the other gods seated themselves on the brow of Callicolone round you, O Phoebus, and Mars the waster of cities.

With these words, the dark-haired god led the way to the high earthen mound of Hercules, built around solid masonry. The Trojans and Pallas Minerva had built the mound as a refuge for Hercules. He could flee there when the sea-monster chased him from the shore onto the plain. Here Neptune and his companions sat down, wrapped in a thick, dark cloud. But the other gods sat on the crest of Callicolone around you, Phoebus, and Mars, the destroyer of cities.

Thus did the gods sit apart and form their plans, but neither side was willing to begin battle with the other, and Jove from his seat on high was in command over them all. Meanwhile the whole plain was alive with men and horses, and blazing with the gleam of armour. The earth rang again under the tramp of their feet as they rushed towards each other, and two champions, by far the foremost of them all, met between the hosts to fight—to wit, Aeneas son of Anchises, and noble Achilles.

So the gods sat apart and made their plans, but neither side was willing to start fighting the other. Jove commanded them all from his seat on high. Meanwhile, the whole plain was alive with men and horses, and blazed with the gleam of armor. The earth echoed with the pounding of their feet as the armies rushed toward each other. Two champions, by far the greatest of them all, met between the armies to fight. They were Aeneas son of Anchises and noble Achilles.

Aeneas was first to stride forward in attack, his doughty helmet tossing defiance as he came on. He held his strong shield before his breast, and brandished his bronze spear. The son of Peleus from the other side sprang forth to meet him, like some fierce lion that the whole country-side has met to hunt and kill—at first he bodes no ill, but when some daring youth has struck him with a spear, he crouches openmouthed, his jaws foam, he roars with fury, he lashes his tail from side to side about his ribs and loins, and glares as he springs straight before him, to find out whether he is to slay, or be slain among the foremost of his foes—even with such fury did Achilles burn to spring upon Aeneas.

Aeneas was first to stride forward to attack, his sturdy helmet tossing defiantly as he advanced. He held his strong shield before his chest and waved his bronze spear. From the other side, the son of Peleus sprang forward to meet him like a fierce lion. The whole countryside has gathered to hunt and kill the lion. At first the lion shows no sign of danger. But when some daring young man strikes him with a spear, he crouches with his mouth open. His jaws foam, and he roars with fury. He lashes his tail from side to side around his ribs and flanks. Glaring fiercely, he springs straight ahead to discover whether he will kill or be killed among his foremost enemies. With just such fury, Achilles burned to leap at Aeneas.

When they were now close up with one another Achilles was first to speak. “Aeneas,” said he, “why do you stand thus out before the host to fight me? Is it that you hope to reign over the Trojans in the seat of Priam? Nay, though you kill me Priam will not hand his kingdom over to you. He is a man of sound judgement, and he has sons of his own. Or have the Trojans been allotting you a demesne of passing richness, fair with orchard lawns and corn lands, if you should slay me? This you shall hardly do. I have discomfited you once already. Have you forgotten how when you were alone I chased you from your herds helter-skelter down the slopes of Ida? You did not turn round to look behind you; you took refuge in Lyrnessus, but I attacked the city, and with the help of Minerva and father Jove I sacked it and carried its women into captivity, though Jove and the other gods rescued you. You think they will protect you now, but they will not do so; therefore I say go back into the host, and do not face me, or you will rue it. Even a fool may be wise after the event.”

When they came close to each other, Achilles spoke first. “Aeneas,” he said, “why have you stepped out in front of the army to fight me? Do you hope to rule the Trojans in Priam’s place? No, even if you kill me, Priam will not give you his kingdom. He has good judgment, and he has sons of his own. Or have the Trojans promised you an estate of extraordinary wealth if you kill me? Have they offered you beautiful orchards, meadows, and grain fields? You will hardly manage to kill me. I have beaten you once already. Have you forgotten how I chased you from your herds when you were alone? You fled headlong down the slopes of Ida. You did not turn to look behind you. You took refuge in Lyrnessus, but I attacked the city. With the help of Minerva and father Jove, I sacked Lyrnessus and took its women captive. But Jove and the other gods rescued you. You think the gods will protect you now, but they will not. So I tell you, go back into the army and do not face me, or you will regret it. Even a fool can be wise after the event.”

Then Aeneas answered, “Son of Peleus, think not that your words can scare me as though I were a child. I too, if I will, can brag and talk unseemly. We know one another’s race and parentage as matters of common fame, though neither have you ever seen my parents nor I yours. Men say that you are son to noble Peleus, and that your mother is Thetis, fair-haired daughter of the sea. I have noble Anchises for my father, and Venus for my mother; the parents of one or other of us shall this day mourn a son, for it will be more than silly talk that shall part us when the fight is over. Learn, then, my lineage if you will—and it is known to many.

Then Aeneas answered, “Son of Peleus, don’t think your words can scare me as if I were a child. I too can boast and speak rudely if I choose. We know each other’s ancestry and parents by reputation. Yet you have never seen my parents, nor have I seen yours. People say your father is noble Peleus and your mother is Thetis, the fair-haired daughter of the sea. My father is noble Anchises, and my mother is Venus. Today, the parents of one of us will mourn a son. For more than foolish talk will separate us when the fight is over. So hear my ancestry if you wish. Many people already know it.

“In the beginning Dardanus was the son of Jove, and founded Dardania, for Ilius was not yet stablished on the plain for men to dwell in, and her people still abode on the spurs of many-fountained Ida. Dardanus had a son, king Erichthonius, who was wealthiest of all men living; he had three thousand mares that fed by the water-meadows, they and their foals with them. Boreas was enamoured of them as they were feeding, and covered them in the semblance of a dark-maned stallion. Twelve filly foals did they conceive and bear him, and these, as they sped over the rich plain, would go bounding on over the ripe ears of corn and not break them; or again when they would disport themselves on the broad back of Ocean they could gallop on the crest of a breaker. Erichthonius begat Tros, king of the Trojans, and Tros had three noble sons, Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymede who was comeliest of mortal men; wherefore the gods carried him off to be Jove’s cup-bearer, for his beauty’s sake, that he might dwell among the immortals. Ilus begat Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonus, Priam, Lampus, Clytius, and Hiketaon of the stock of Mars. But Assaracus was father to Capys, and Capys to Anchises, who was my father, while Hector is son to Priam.

“In the beginning, Dardanus was the son of Jove and founded Dardania. For Ilius had not yet been built on the plain for people to live in. Her people still lived on the foothills of Ida, with its many springs. Dardanus had a son, king Erichthonius, who was the wealthiest of all living men. He had three thousand mares grazing with their foals in the meadows beside the water. Boreas fell in love with the mares as they grazed. He took the form of a dark-maned stallion and mated with them. The mares conceived and bore him twelve fillies. As these fillies raced across the fertile plain, they bounded over ripe ears of grain without breaking them. Or, when they played on the broad surface of Ocean, they could gallop along the crest of a breaking wave. Erichthonius was the father of Tros, king of the Trojans. Tros had three noble sons, Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymede, who was the most handsome of mortal men. Because of Ganymede’s beauty, the gods carried him away to be Jove’s cup-bearer, so he could live among the immortals. Ilus was the father of Laomedon. Laomedon was the father of Tithonus, Priam, Lampus, Clytius, and Hiketaon, who was descended from Mars. But Assaracus was the father of Capys, and Capys was the father of Anchises. Anchises was my father, while Hector is the son of Priam.”

“Such do I declare my blood and lineage, but as for valour, Jove gives it or takes it as he will, for he is lord of all. And now let there be no more of this prating in mid-battle as though we were children. We could fling taunts without end at one another; a hundred-oared galley would not hold them. The tongue can run all whithers and talk all wise; it can go here and there, and as a man says, so shall he be gainsaid. What is the use of our bandying hard like women who when they fall foul of one another go out and wrangle in the streets, one half true and the other lies, as rage inspires them? No words of yours shall turn me now that I am fain to fight—therefore let us make trial of one another with our spears.”

“Such are my bloodline and ancestry. But Jove gives courage or takes it away as he wishes, for he is lord of all. Now let us stop this chatter in the middle of battle, as though we were children. We could throw endless taunts at each other. A galley with a hundred oars could not hold them all. The tongue can wander anywhere and say anything. Whatever a man says, someone will answer back. What good is trading insults like women who quarrel and go out into the streets to argue? Half of what they say is true, and half is lies, as their anger drives them. None of your words will turn me aside now that I am eager to fight. So let us test each other with our spears.”

As he spoke he drove his spear at the great and terrible shield of Achilles, which rang out as the point struck it. The son of Peleus held the shield before him with his strong hand, and he was afraid, for he deemed that Aeneas’s spear would go through it quite easily, not reflecting that the god’s glorious gifts were little likely to yield before the blows of mortal men; and indeed Aeneas’s spear did not pierce the shield, for the layer of gold, gift of the god, stayed the point. It went through two layers, but the god had made the shield in five, two of bronze, the two innermost ones of tin, and one of gold; it was in this that the spear was stayed.

As he spoke, he thrust his spear at Achilles’s great and terrifying shield. The shield rang out as the spear’s point struck it. The son of Peleus held the shield before him with his strong hand. He was afraid, for he thought Aeneas’s spear would pierce the shield easily. He forgot that the god’s glorious gifts were unlikely to give way under the blows of mortal men. And indeed, Aeneas’s spear did not pierce the shield, because the gold layer, the god’s gift, stopped the point. The spear passed through two layers, but the god had made the shield with five. Two layers were bronze, the two innermost were tin, and one was gold. The gold layer was where the spear stopped.

Achilles in his turn threw, and struck the round shield of Aeneas at the very edge, where the bronze was thinnest; the spear of Pelian ash went clean through, and the shield rang under the blow; Aeneas was afraid, and crouched backwards, holding the shield away from him; the spear, however, flew over his back, and stuck quivering in the ground, after having gone through both circles of the sheltering shield. Aeneas though he had avoided the spear, stood still, blinded with fear and grief because the weapon had gone so near him; then Achilles sprang furiously upon him, with a cry as of death and with his keen blade drawn, and Aeneas seized a great stone, so huge that two men, as men now are, would be unable to lift it, but Aeneas wielded it quite easily.

Achilles threw his spear in turn, striking the very edge of Aeneas’s round shield, where the bronze was thinnest. The spear of Pelian ash pierced straight through, and the shield rang from the blow. Aeneas was afraid and crouched backward, holding the shield away from his body. The spear, however, flew over his back after piercing both circles of the protective shield. It stuck in the ground, quivering. Although Aeneas had escaped the spear, he stood motionless, blinded by fear and grief because the weapon had come so close. Then Achilles sprang at him furiously, letting out a cry like death itself, his sharp sword drawn. Aeneas seized a huge stone. Two men, as men are today, could not have lifted the stone, but Aeneas handled it with ease.

Aeneas would then have struck Achilles as he was springing towards him, either on the helmet, or on the shield that covered him, and Achilles would have closed with him and despatched him with his sword, had not Neptune lord of the earthquake been quick to mark, and said forthwith to the immortals, “Alas, I am sorry for great Aeneas, who will now go down to the house of Hades, vanquished by the son of Peleus. Fool that he was to give ear to the counsel of Apollo. Apollo will never save him from destruction. Why should this man suffer when he is guiltless, to no purpose, and in another’s quarrel? Has he not at all times offered acceptable sacrifice to the gods that dwell in heaven? Let us then snatch him from death’s jaws, lest the son of Saturn be angry should Achilles slay him. It is fated, moreover, that he should escape, and that the race of Dardanus, whom Jove loved above all the sons born to him of mortal women, shall not perish utterly without seed or sign. For now indeed has Jove hated the blood of Priam, while Aeneas shall reign over the Trojans, he and his children’s children that shall be born hereafter.”

Aeneas would have struck Achilles as Achilles sprang toward him, hitting either his helmet or the shield protecting him. Achilles would then have closed in and killed Aeneas with his sword. But Neptune, lord of earthquakes, quickly saw the danger and spoke at once to the immortals. “Alas, I pity great Aeneas. He will now go down to the house of Hades, defeated by the son of Peleus. He was a fool to listen to Apollo’s advice. Apollo will never save him from destruction. Why should this innocent man suffer for nothing in someone else’s quarrel? Has he not always offered sacrifices pleasing to the gods who live in heaven? Let us snatch him from the jaws of death. Otherwise, the son of Saturn may be angry if Achilles kills him. Besides, Aeneas is fated to escape, so that the line of Dardanus will not vanish without descendants or a trace. Jove loved Dardanus above all the sons born to him by mortal women. For now Jove has come to hate Priam’s bloodline. But Aeneas will rule over the Trojans, as will his descendants in generations to come.”

Then answered Juno, “Earth-shaker, look to this matter yourself, and consider concerning Aeneas, whether you will save him, or suffer him, brave though he be, to fall by the hand of Achilles son of Peleus. For of a truth we two, I and Pallas Minerva, have sworn full many a time before all the immortals, that never would we shield Trojans from destruction, not even when all Troy is burning in the flames that the Achaeans shall kindle.”

Then Juno answered, “Earth-shaker, handle this matter yourself and decide what to do about Aeneas. Will you save him or let him fall to Achilles son of Peleus, brave though Aeneas is? For Pallas Minerva and I have sworn many times before all the immortals that we would never protect the Trojans from destruction. Not even when all Troy is burning in the flames the Achaeans will set.”

When earth-encircling Neptune heard this he went into the battle amid the clash of spears, and came to the place where Achilles and Aeneas were. Forthwith he shed a darkness before the eyes of the son of Peleus, drew the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aeneas, and laid it at the feet of Achilles. Then he lifted Aeneas on high from off the earth and hurried him away. Over the heads of many a band of warriors both horse and foot did he soar as the god’s hand sped him, till he came to the very fringe of the battle where the Cauconians were arming themselves for fight. Neptune, shaker of the earth, then came near to him and said, “Aeneas, what god has egged you on to this folly in fighting the son of Peleus, who is both a mightier man of valour and more beloved of heaven than you are? Give way before him whensoever you meet him, lest you go down to the house of Hades even though fate would have it otherwise. When Achilles is dead you may then fight among the foremost undaunted, for none other of the Achaeans shall slay you.”

When Neptune, who encircles the earth, heard this, he entered the battle amid the clash of spears. He reached the place where Achilles and Aeneas stood. At once, he cast darkness over the eyes of Achilles, the son of Peleus. He pulled the bronze-tipped ash spear from Aeneas’s shield and laid it at Achilles’s feet. Then he lifted Aeneas high above the ground and rushed him away. Carried by the god’s hand, Aeneas soared over many bands of warriors, both mounted and on foot. He reached the very edge of the battle, where the Cauconians were arming themselves to fight. Neptune, shaker of the earth, then approached him and said, “Aeneas, what god urged you into the folly of fighting the son of Peleus? He is a far stronger warrior than you, and heaven loves him more. Give way whenever you meet him, or you may go down to the house of Hades against fate’s wishes. When Achilles is dead, you may fight fearlessly in the front ranks. No other Achaean will kill you.”

The god left him when he had given him these instructions, and at once removed the darkness from before the eyes of Achilles, who opened them wide indeed and said in great anger, “Alas! what marvel am I now beholding? Here is my spear upon the ground, but I see not him whom I meant to kill when I hurled it. Of a truth Aeneas also must be under heaven’s protection, although I had thought his boasting was idle. Let him go hang; he will be in no mood to fight me further, seeing how narrowly he has missed being killed. I will now give my orders to the Danaans and attack some other of the Trojans.”

After giving him these instructions, the god left him and immediately cleared the darkness from Achilles’ eyes. Achilles opened his eyes wide and said in great anger, “Ah! What strange sight am I seeing now? My spear is here on the ground, but I cannot see the man I meant to kill with it. Aeneas too must truly be under heaven’s protection, although I thought his boasting was empty. To hell with him. He will have no desire to fight me again, since he came so close to being killed. Now I will give my orders to the Danaans and attack some other Trojan.”

He sprang forward along the line and cheered his men on as he did so. “Let not the Trojans,” he cried, “keep you at arm’s length, Achaeans, but go for them and fight them man for man. However valiant I may be, I cannot give chase to so many and fight all of them. Even Mars, who is an immortal, or Minerva, would shrink from flinging himself into the jaws of such a fight and laying about him; nevertheless, so far as in me lies I will show no slackness of hand or foot nor want of endurance, not even for a moment; I will utterly break their ranks, and woe to the Trojan who shall venture within reach of my spear.”

He sprang forward along the line, urging his men on as he went. “Don’t let the Trojans,” he cried, “keep you at a distance, Achaeans. Go at them and fight them man to man. However brave I may be, I cannot chase so many and fight them all. Even the immortal Mars or Minerva would hesitate to plunge into such a battle and strike in every direction. Still, I will do everything I can. I will not slow my hands or feet or let my endurance fail, even for a moment. I will shatter their ranks, and woe to any Trojan who dares come within reach of my spear.”

Thus did he exhort them. Meanwhile Hector called upon the Trojans and declared that he would fight Achilles. “Be not afraid, proud Trojans,” said he, “to face the son of Peleus; I could fight gods myself if the battle were one of words only, but they would be more than a match for me, if we had to use our spears. Even so the deed of Achilles will fall somewhat short of his word; he will do in part, and the other part he will clip short. I will go up against him though his hands be as fire—though his hands be fire and his strength iron.”

That was how he urged them on. Meanwhile, Hector called out to the Trojans and declared that he would fight Achilles. “Do not be afraid to face the son of Peleus, proud Trojans,” he said. “I could fight the gods myself if the battle were only words. But the gods would be too strong for me if we had to fight with spears. Even so, Achilles will fall somewhat short of his boasts. He will do part of what he threatens, but leave the rest undone. I will face him even if his hands are like fire, even if his hands are fire and his strength iron.”

Thus urged the Trojans lifted up their spears against the Achaeans, and raised the cry of battle as they flung themselves into the midst of their ranks. But Phoebus Apollo came up to Hector and said, “Hector, on no account must you challenge Achilles to single combat; keep a look-out for him while you are under cover of the others and away from the thick of the fight, otherwise he will either hit you with a spear or cut you down at close quarters.”

Urged on, the Trojans raised their spears against the Achaeans and shouted their battle cry as they charged into the Achaean ranks. But Phoebus Apollo approached Hector and said, “Hector, you must never challenge Achilles to single combat. Watch for him while staying sheltered behind the others and away from the fiercest fighting. Otherwise, he will either strike you with a spear or cut you down at close range.”

Thus he spoke, and Hector drew back within the crowd, for he was afraid when he heard what the god had said to him. Achilles then sprang upon the Trojans with a terrible cry, clothed in valour as with a garment. First he killed Iphition son of Otrynteus, a leader of much people whom a naiad nymph had borne to Otrynteus waster of cities, in the land of Hyde under the snowy heights of Mt. Tmolus. Achilles struck him full on the head as he was coming on towards him, and split it clean in two; whereon he fell heavily to the ground and Achilles vaunted over him saying, “You be low, son of Otrynteus, mighty hero; your death is here, but your lineage is on the Gygaean lake where your father’s estate lies, by Hyllus, rich in fish, and the eddying waters of Hermus.”

So he spoke, and Hector drew back into the crowd, frightened by what the god had told him. Achilles then charged at the Trojans with a terrible cry, wearing courage like a garment. First he killed Iphition, son of Otrynteus, who led many people. A naiad nymph had borne Iphition to Otrynteus, destroyer of cities, in the land of Hyde beneath snowy Mt. Tmolus. As Iphition advanced toward him, Achilles struck him squarely on the head and split his head in two. Iphition fell heavily to the ground, and Achilles boasted over him, saying, “Lie there, son of Otrynteus, mighty hero. You meet your death here, but your family comes from the Gygaean lake, where your father’s estate lies. It stands beside Hyllus, rich in fish, and the swirling waters of Hermus.”

Thus did he vaunt, but darkness closed the eyes of the other. The chariots of the Achaeans cut him up as their wheels passed over him in the front of the battle, and after him Achilles killed Demoleon, a valiant man of war and son to Antenor. He struck him on the temple through his bronze-cheeked helmet. The helmet did not stay the spear, but it went right on, crushing the bone so that the brain inside was shed in all directions, and his lust of fighting was ended. Then he struck Hippodamas in the midriff as he was springing down from his chariot in front of him, and trying to escape. He breathed his last, bellowing like a bull bellows when young men are dragging him to offer him in sacrifice to the King of Helice, and the heart of the earth-shaker is glad; even so did he bellow as he lay dying. Achilles then went in pursuit of Polydorus son of Priam, whom his father had always forbidden to fight because he was the youngest of his sons, the one he loved best, and the fastest runner. He, in his folly and showing off the fleetness of his feet, was rushing about among front ranks until he lost his life, for Achilles struck him in the middle of the back as he was darting past him: he struck him just at the golden fastenings of his belt and where the two pieces of the double breastplate overlapped. The point of the spear pierced him through and came out by the navel, whereon he fell groaning on to his knees and a cloud of darkness overshadowed him as he sank holding his entrails in his hands.

So he boasted, but darkness closed the other man’s eyes. The Achaeans’ chariot wheels mangled his body as they rolled over him at the front of the battle. After him, Achilles killed Demoleon, a brave warrior and son of Antenor. Achilles struck him in the temple through his helmet’s bronze cheekpiece. The helmet did not stop the spear. The spear drove through and crushed the bone, scattering his brains in all directions and ending his desire to fight. Then Achilles struck Hippodamas in the midriff as Hippodamas jumped from his chariot in front of him, trying to escape. Hippodamas breathed his last, bellowing like a bull dragged by young men to be sacrificed to the King of Helice. The bull’s bellowing gladdens the heart of the earth-shaker. Just so, Hippodamas bellowed as he lay dying. Achilles then pursued Polydorus, son of Priam. His father had always forbidden Polydorus to fight because he was his youngest son, his best-loved, and the fastest runner. Foolishly showing off his speed, Polydorus was racing among the front ranks until he lost his life. For as Polydorus darted past, Achilles struck him in the middle of the back. The spear struck right at his belt’s golden fastenings, where the two pieces of his double breastplate overlapped. The spearpoint pierced his body and came out beside his navel. He fell groaning to his knees, and a cloud of darkness covered him as he sank, holding his entrails in his hands.

When Hector saw his brother Polydorus with his entrails in his hands and sinking down upon the ground, a mist came over his eyes, and he could not bear to keep longer at a distance; he therefore poised his spear and darted towards Achilles like a flame of fire. When Achilles saw him he bounded forward and vaunted saying, “This is he that has wounded my heart most deeply and has slain my beloved comrade. Not for long shall we two quail before one another on the highways of war.”

Hector saw his brother Polydorus sinking to the ground, holding his own intestines in his hands. A mist clouded Hector’s eyes, and he could no longer bear to stay back. So he raised his spear and rushed toward Achilles like a flame. When Achilles saw Hector, he leaped forward and boasted, “Here is the man who has hurt me most deeply and killed my beloved companion. We will not shrink from each other much longer on the roads of war.”

He looked fiercely on Hector and said, “Draw near, that you may meet your doom the sooner.” Hector feared him not and answered, “Son of Peleus, think not that your words can scare me as though I were a child; I too if I will can brag and talk unseemly; I know that you are a mighty warrior, mightier by far than I, nevertheless the issue lies in the lap of heaven whether I, worse man though I be, may not slay you with my spear, for this too has been found keen ere now.”

He glared at Hector and said, “Come closer so you can meet your doom sooner.” Hector was not afraid of him and answered, “Son of Peleus, don’t think your words can scare me as if I were a child. I too can boast and trade insults if I choose. I know you are a mighty warrior, far mightier than I am. Even so, heaven will decide whether I might kill you with my spear, though I am the weaker warrior. For my spear, too, has proved sharp before.”

He hurled his spear as he spoke, but Minerva breathed upon it, and though she breathed but very lightly she turned it back from going towards Achilles, so that it returned to Hector and lay at his feet in front of him. Achilles then sprang furiously on him with a loud cry, bent on killing him, but Apollo caught him up easily as a god can, and hid him in a thick darkness. Thrice did Achilles spring towards him spear in hand, and thrice did he waste his blow upon the air. When he rushed forward for the fourth time as though he were a god, he shouted aloud saying, “Hound, this time too you have escaped death—but of a truth it came exceedingly near you. Phoebus Apollo, to whom it seems you pray before you go into battle, has again saved you; but if I too have any friend among the gods I will surely make an end of you when I come across you at some other time. Now, however, I will pursue and overtake other Trojans.”

He hurled his spear as he spoke, but Minerva breathed on it. Though her breath was very light, she turned the spear away from Achilles. The spear returned to Hector and fell at his feet. Achilles then lunged at Hector furiously with a loud cry, determined to kill him. But Apollo lifted Hector away as easily as a god could and hid him in thick darkness. Three times Achilles lunged at Hector, spear in hand. Three times his spear struck only air. When Achilles charged forward a fourth time as if he were a god, he shouted, “You dog, you have escaped death again, but death came very close to you. Phoebus Apollo has saved you again. It seems you pray to him before going into battle. But if I too have a friend among the gods, I will surely kill you when we meet another time. For now, though, I will chase down other Trojans.”

On this he struck Dryops with his spear, about the middle of his neck, and he fell headlong at his feet. There he let him lie and stayed Demouchus son of Philetor, a man both brave and of great stature, by hitting him on the knee with a spear; then he smote him with his sword and killed him. After this he sprang on Laogonus and Dardanus, sons of Bias, and threw them from their chariot, the one with a blow from a thrown spear, while the other he cut down in hand-to-hand fight. There was also Tros the son of Alastor—he came up to Achilles and clasped his knees in the hope that he would spare him and not kill him but let him go, because they were both of the same age. Fool, he might have known that he should not prevail with him, for the man was in no mood for pity or forbearance but was in grim earnest. Therefore when Tros laid hold of his knees and sought a hearing for his prayers, Achilles drove his sword into his liver, and the liver came rolling out, while his bosom was all covered with the black blood that welled from the wound. Thus did death close his eyes as he lay lifeless.

Then he struck Dryops with his spear in the middle of the neck. Dryops fell headfirst at his feet. He left him lying there and stopped Demouchus, son of Philetor, by striking his knee with a spear. Demouchus was both brave and tall. Then he struck Demouchus with his sword and killed him. Next he sprang at Laogonus and Dardanus, sons of Bias, and knocked them from their chariot. He struck one with a thrown spear and cut down the other in hand-to-hand combat. There was also Tros, son of Alastor. He approached Achilles and clasped his knees, hoping Achilles would spare him rather than kill him. He hoped Achilles would let him go because they were the same age. Fool, he should have known he could not persuade Achilles. Achilles was in no mood for pity or mercy but was deadly serious. So when Tros grasped his knees and begged him to listen, Achilles drove his sword into Tros's liver. The liver came rolling out, and the black blood pouring from the wound covered his whole chest. So death closed his eyes as he lay lifeless.

Achilles then went up to Mulius and struck him on the ear with a spear, and the bronze spear-head came right out at the other ear. He also struck Echeclus son of Agenor on the head with his sword, which became warm with the blood, while death and stern fate closed the eyes of Echeclus. Next in order the bronze point of his spear wounded Deucalion in the fore-arm where the sinews of the elbow are united, whereon he waited Achilles’ onset with his arm hanging down and death staring him in the face. Achilles cut his head off with a blow from his sword and flung it helmet and all away from him, and the marrow came oozing out of his backbone as he lay. He then went in pursuit of Rhigmus, noble son of Peires, who had come from fertile Thrace, and struck him through the middle with a spear which fixed itself in his belly, so that he fell headlong from his chariot. He also speared Areithous squire to Rhigmus in the back as he was turning his horses in flight, and thrust him from his chariot, while the horses were struck with panic.

Achilles then approached Mulius and drove his spear into his ear. The bronze spearhead came out through the other ear. He also struck Echeclus, son of Agenor, on the head with his sword. The blade grew warm with blood as death and grim fate closed Echeclus’s eyes. Next, his bronze spearpoint wounded Deucalion in the forearm, where the tendons join at the elbow. Deucalion waited for Achilles to attack, his arm hanging limp and death staring him in the face. Achilles cut off his head with a sword stroke and flung the head away, helmet and all. Marrow oozed from Deucalion’s backbone as he lay there. Achilles then pursued Rhigmus, the noble son of Peires, who had come from fertile Thrace. He drove his spear through Rhigmus’s middle, leaving the weapon lodged in his belly, so Rhigmus fell headfirst from his chariot. Achilles also speared Areithous, Rhigmus’s squire, in the back as Areithous turned his horses to flee. He knocked Areithous from the chariot, while the horses panicked.

As a fire raging in some mountain glen after long drought—and the dense forest is in a blaze, while the wind carries great tongues of fire in every direction—even so furiously did Achilles rage, wielding his spear as though he were a god, and giving chase to those whom he would slay, till the dark earth ran with blood. Or as one who yokes broad-browed oxen that they may tread barley in a threshing-floor—and it is soon bruised small under the feet of the lowing cattle—even so did the horses of Achilles trample on the shields and bodies of the slain. The axle underneath and the railing that ran round the car were bespattered with clots of blood thrown up by the horses’ hoofs, and from the tyres of the wheels; but the son of Peleus pressed on to win still further glory, and his hands were bedrabbled with gore.

Like a fire raging in a mountain valley after a long drought, Achilles raged with fury. The dense forest blazes, and the wind carries great tongues of flame in every direction. Just as fiercely, Achilles wielded his spear as though he were a god. He chased those he would kill until the dark earth ran with blood. Or imagine someone yoking broad-browed oxen to tread barley on a threshing floor. The barley is soon crushed beneath the feet of the lowing cattle. In the same way, Achilles’ horses trampled the shields and bodies of the dead. Clots of blood splashed onto the axle beneath the chariot and the railing around it. The blood flew up from the horses’ hooves and the wheels’ rims. But the son of Peleus pressed on to win still greater glory, his hands smeared with gore.