Book XX

Jove calls a council of all the gods to discuss the war now that Achilles has returned.

Jove declares that the gods may now intervene directly in the war to prevent Achilles from destroying Troy prematurely.

As the gods descend to battle, the earth shakes, the seas heave, and even the underworld trembles with fear.

Apollo, disguised as Lycaon, encourages Aeneas to confront Achilles, though Aeneas recalls a previous fearful encounter.

Apollo emboldens Aeneas by reminding him of his divine lineage, prompting Hera to call the gods to protect Achilles.

Neptune proposes that the gods watch the mortal combat from afar, intervening only if the opposing gods interfere first.

Achilles and Aeneas advance to meet, and Achilles taunts his opponent, questioning his motives for seeking this fight.

Aeneas rebuffs Achilles' taunts by tracing his own divine ancestry back through the Trojan kings to Jove himself.

Aeneas and Achilles exchange spear throws, with each hero's divine shield deflecting the other's weapon before Achilles charges.

Arguing that Aeneas is fated to survive and continue the Trojan line, Neptune intervenes and spirits him from the battlefield.

After counseling Aeneas, Neptune departs, leaving Achilles amazed at his foe's disappearance and determined to fight on.

Hector rallies the Trojans, but Apollo warns him to avoid Achilles, who then begins his slaughter by killing Iphytion.

Achilles continues his killing spree, slaying Demoleon and Hippodamas before cutting down Priam's youngest and dearest son, Polydore.

Enraged by his brother's death, Hector confronts Achilles, but after their brief exchange, Apollo shrouds Hector in a cloud.

Thwarted from killing Hector, Achilles turns his fury on the Trojan ranks, slaughtering a long list of warriors without mercy.

Achilles' destructive path is compared to a raging forest fire and to trampling steers threshing grain on a bloody floor.