Book XI

The book's events are summarized before Discord descends to rouse the Greeks for battle.

Agamemnon dons his magnificent armor as the Greek forces prepare for the day's fight.

Hector leads the Trojan forces as the two armies clash fiercely under the watchful eyes of Discord and Jove.

Agamemnon breaks the stalemate, killing Bienor, Oïleus, and two of Priam's sons in a furious assault.

Agamemnon rejects the pleas of Antimachus's sons, slays them, and continues his devastating charge through the Trojan ranks.

Agamemnon pursues the Trojans to their walls, prompting Jove to send Iris with instructions for Hector.

Iris delivers Jove's message, Hector rallies his men, and Agamemnon kills the young warrior Iphidamas.

Coon avenges his brother by wounding Agamemnon, who, overcome by pain, exhorts his troops and leaves the field.

With Agamemnon gone, Hector exhorts his troops and leads a devastating charge against the Greeks.

Ulysses and Diomed rally to stop Hector's advance, comparing themselves to wild boars turning on hounds.

Ulysses and Diomed slay several Trojans, but Hector turns his attention toward them, causing fear.

Diomed strikes Hector on the helm with his spear, stunning the Trojan hero who temporarily retreats.

As Diomed strips a slain foe, Paris shoots an arrow from hiding, piercing Diomed's foot.

With Diomed gone, Ulysses finds himself surrounded and resolves to stand his ground and fight.

Surrounded, Ulysses kills several Trojans before Socus wounds him in revenge for his brother Charops.

Ulysses kills the fleeing Socus but, weakened by his own wound, cries out three times for help.

Menelaus and Ajax arrive to find Ulysses surrounded, and the mighty Ajax drives the Trojans away.

While Ajax dominates one part of the field, Hector rages elsewhere, and Paris wounds the healer Machaon.

Advised by his charioteer, Hector drives his chariot through the carnage to confront Ajax.

Awed by Jove, Ajax begins a slow, defiant retreat, compared to a lion or a stubborn donkey.

Eurypylus comes to Ajax's aid but is wounded in the thigh by an arrow from Paris's bow.

Achilles sees the wounded Machaon and sends Patroclus to Nestor's tent to confirm who was injured.

In Nestor's tent, the warriors refresh themselves while Hecamede prepares a restorative drink for Machaon.

Patroclus arrives, and Nestor laments Achilles' indifference while listing the many Greek heroes now wounded.

Nestor recalls a great cattle raid from his youth when he led the Pylians to victory against the Epeians.

Nestor continues his story, describing how he led the Pylian army and dominated the battle against the Epeians.

Nestor reminds Patroclus of his father's advice and urges him to persuade Achilles to fight or let him lead the Myrmidons.

Eurypylus asks for aid, and Patroclus agrees, taking him to his tent to remove the arrow and apply herbs.