Book XII

The battle rages at the Greek wall, a temporary structure the gods will one day destroy.

Hector, like a cornered boar, drives the Greeks to their ships and prepares to cross the trench.

Polydamas warns Hector of the trench's dangers and advises leaving the chariots for an assault on foot.

Hector accepts the counsel and organizes five divisions, but Asius foolishly charges ahead in his chariot.

The Lapith heroes Polypoetes and Leonteus defend the gate like twin oaks and repel Asius's assault.

As the Lapiths continue to slay Trojans, a divine omen of an eagle and serpent appears, halting Hector.

Polydamas advises retreat based on a bad omen, but Hector angrily rejects his counsel and vows to fight on.

Spurred by Jove, Hector leads the charge, but the two Ajaces fly along the towers to rally the Greeks.

The Ajaces exhort the troops to fight, and a heavy shower of stones descends from both sides.

Inspired by Jove, Sarpedon advances on the wall like a hungry lion preparing to strike.

Sarpedon exhorts Glaucus to fight for glory, since death is inevitable for all mortals.

Seeing the Lycians advance, the Greek captain Menestheus sends a herald to summon the Ajaces for help.

Ajax and Teucer heed the call, leaving their post and striding along the wall to reinforce the defense.

Ajax kills Sarpedon's friend with a great stone, while Teucer wounds Glaucus with an arrow.

Sarpedon, seeing Glaucus retreat, is filled with rage and tears a breach in the Greek rampart.

The Lycians and Greeks fight fiercely over the breach, neither side able to gain an advantage.

Hector lifts a massive stone, smashes a gate, and leads the Trojans through in a furious charge.