Book XVII

Menelaus stands over the fallen Patroclus, ready to defend his body from the Trojans.

Euphorbus claims Patroclus' spoils, but Menelaus scorns his boast and accepts his challenge.

Menelaus kills Euphorbus in single combat and strips the beautiful young warrior of his armor.

Spurred by Apollo, Hector advances, forcing Menelaus to retreat while wishing for Ajax's help.

Menelaus finds Ajax, who returns to guard Patroclus' body as Hector sends the captured armor to Troy.

Glaucus angrily accuses Hector of cowardice for fleeing from Ajax and abandoning his allies.

Stung by Glaucus' rebuke, Hector rallies his men and puts on the magnificent armor of Achilles.

Zeus pities the doomed Hector and grants him a final day of glory, filling him with divine strength.

Hector promises rewards to his allies for capturing the body, while Ajax foresees a disastrous fight.

Ajax calls for aid, the Greek leaders respond, and Zeus shrouds the battle in darkness.

In the renewed fight, Ajax kills Hippothous and Phorcys, while Hector's errant spear kills Schedius.

Disguised as a herald, Apollo urges Aeneas to fight, who recognizes the god and rallies the Trojans.

The armies clash fiercely around Patroclus' body, which is shrouded in a supernatural darkness.

While the battle for the body rages, Nestor's sons and Achilles remain ignorant of Patroclus's death.

As the soldiers vow to fight to the death, the immortal horses of Achilles stand apart and weep.

Zeus pities the grieving horses, fills them with new spirit, and sends them back into the war.

Automedon gives the reins to Alcimedon, and Hector and Aeneas spot the chariot, preparing to attack.

Automedon prays, calls for aid, and kills Aretus with a spear cast from Achilles' chariot.

The Ajaces save Automedon from Hector, and Minerva descends from Olympus to renew the Greeks' strength.

Inspired by Minerva, Menelaus kills Podes, prompting Apollo to enrage Hector with the news of his friend's death.

Zeus intervenes for Troy, and Hector and his men wound several Greek heroes, forcing them to retreat.

Seeing the battle is lost, Ajax prays for Zeus to at least dispel the darkness so they can die in daylight.

Menelaus searches for and finds Antilochus, telling him the terrible news that Patroclus has been killed.

As Antilochus runs to tell Achilles, Menelaus and Ajax devise a plan to carry the body away.

The Greeks retreat under heavy fire, carrying the body of Patroclus like mules hauling timber.