Book XII
17 argumentative units
- 01The Futile Wall of the Achaeans
The battle rages at the Greek wall, a temporary structure the gods will one day destroy.
- 02Hector at the Brink
Hector, like a cornered boar, drives the Greeks to their ships and prepares to cross the trench.
- 03Polydamas Advises Dismounting
Polydamas warns Hector of the trench's dangers and advises leaving the chariots for an assault on foot.
- 04The Trojans Advance on Foot
Hector accepts the counsel and organizes five divisions, but Asius foolishly charges ahead in his chariot.
- 05Asius Repulsed by the Lapiths
The Lapith heroes Polypoetes and Leonteus defend the gate like twin oaks and repel Asius's assault.
- 06An Omen Halts the Trojan Host
As the Lapiths continue to slay Trojans, a divine omen of an eagle and serpent appears, halting Hector.
- 07The Debate Over the Omen
Polydamas advises retreat based on a bad omen, but Hector angrily rejects his counsel and vows to fight on.
- 08Hector's Charge and the Greek Rally
Spurred by Jove, Hector leads the charge, but the two Ajaces fly along the towers to rally the Greeks.
- 09A Storm of Stones
The Ajaces exhort the troops to fight, and a heavy shower of stones descends from both sides.
- 10Sarpedon Prepares to Attack
Inspired by Jove, Sarpedon advances on the wall like a hungry lion preparing to strike.
- 11Sarpedon's Call to Glory
Sarpedon exhorts Glaucus to fight for glory, since death is inevitable for all mortals.
- 12Menestheus Calls for Aid
Seeing the Lycians advance, the Greek captain Menestheus sends a herald to summon the Ajaces for help.
- 13The Ajaces Respond to the Call
Ajax and Teucer heed the call, leaving their post and striding along the wall to reinforce the defense.
- 14Ajax and Teucer Strike the Lycians
Ajax kills Sarpedon's friend with a great stone, while Teucer wounds Glaucus with an arrow.
- 15Sarpedon Breaches the Wall
Sarpedon, seeing Glaucus retreat, is filled with rage and tears a breach in the Greek rampart.
- 16The Battle for the Breach
The Lycians and Greeks fight fiercely over the breach, neither side able to gain an advantage.
- 17Hector Smashes the Gate
Hector lifts a massive stone, smashes a gate, and leads the Trojans through in a furious charge.