Book XX
16 argumentative units
- 01Jove Summons the Gods to Council
Jove calls a council of all the gods to discuss the war now that Achilles has returned.
- 02Jove Permits Divine Intervention
Jove declares that the gods may now intervene directly in the war to prevent Achilles from destroying Troy prematurely.
- 03The World Trembles as Gods Engage
As the gods descend to battle, the earth shakes, the seas heave, and even the underworld trembles with fear.
- 04Apollo Goads Aeneas to Fight
Apollo, disguised as Lycaon, encourages Aeneas to confront Achilles, though Aeneas recalls a previous fearful encounter.
- 05Hera Rallies the Gods for Achilles
Apollo emboldens Aeneas by reminding him of his divine lineage, prompting Hera to call the gods to protect Achilles.
- 06The Gods Agree to Observe
Neptune proposes that the gods watch the mortal combat from afar, intervening only if the opposing gods interfere first.
- 07Achilles Confronts and Taunts Aeneas
Achilles and Aeneas advance to meet, and Achilles taunts his opponent, questioning his motives for seeking this fight.
- 08Aeneas Recounts His Noble Lineage
Aeneas rebuffs Achilles' taunts by tracing his own divine ancestry back through the Trojan kings to Jove himself.
- 09The Duel Begins with Spears
Aeneas and Achilles exchange spear throws, with each hero's divine shield deflecting the other's weapon before Achilles charges.
- 10Neptune Rescues the Fated Aeneas
Arguing that Aeneas is fated to survive and continue the Trojan line, Neptune intervenes and spirits him from the battlefield.
- 11Achilles Realizes Divine Intervention
After counseling Aeneas, Neptune departs, leaving Achilles amazed at his foe's disappearance and determined to fight on.
- 12Achilles Begins His Rampage
Hector rallies the Trojans, but Apollo warns him to avoid Achilles, who then begins his slaughter by killing Iphytion.
- 13The Slaughter of Young Polydore
Achilles continues his killing spree, slaying Demoleon and Hippodamas before cutting down Priam's youngest and dearest son, Polydore.
- 14Hector Confronts Achilles and Is Saved
Enraged by his brother's death, Hector confronts Achilles, but after their brief exchange, Apollo shrouds Hector in a cloud.
- 15Achilles' Relentless Slaughter Continues
Thwarted from killing Hector, Achilles turns his fury on the Trojan ranks, slaughtering a long list of warriors without mercy.
- 16Similes for the Bloody Rampage
Achilles' destructive path is compared to a raging forest fire and to trampling steers threshing grain on a bloody floor.