Book XXIII

The book's events are summarized, and the Myrmidons begin to mourn Patroclus.

Achilles commands his men to honor Patroclus, leading them in a procession and vowing vengeance over the body.

A funeral feast is prepared, but Achilles refuses to wash, swearing an oath not to do so until Patroclus is buried.

As Achilles sleeps, the ghost of Patroclus appears to him, asking for burial and that their bones be laid together.

Achilles speaks to the ghost and tries to embrace it, but it vanishes, leaving him to ponder the nature of the soul.

At dawn, Agamemnon sends men to gather wood, and the Grecians form a funeral procession to the pyre.

Achilles cuts a lock of his hair, lamenting that he cannot fulfill a vow to a river god, and gives it to Patroclus.

The pyre is built and Achilles sacrifices sheep, oxen, horses, dogs, and twelve Trojan captives.

After the gods protect Hector's body, Achilles prays to the winds to light the pyre, and Iris delivers his message.

The winds arrive to fan the flames, and the pyre burns all night as Achilles pours libations and mourns.

Achilles awakens and instructs the chiefs to quench the pyre with wine and carefully collect Patroclus's bones.

The Greeks collect the bones, build a tomb, and Achilles detains the army to announce the funeral games.

Achilles presents the prizes for the chariot race, explaining why he will not compete, and the heroes rise to contend.

Nestor gives his son, Antilochus, detailed tactical advice for the chariot race, emphasizing that skill overcomes speed.

After Nestor's advice, the racers draw lots for their positions and the thrilling chariot race begins.

Apollo causes Diomed to drop his whip, but Pallas restores it and breaks Eumelus's chariot, causing him to crash.

Antilochus makes a dangerous pass on Menelaus in a narrow part of the track, while Idomeneus spots the new leader.

Oilean Ajax disputes Idomeneus's claim about the lead racer, leading to an angry exchange and a wager.

Achilles stops the argument as Diomed arrives to claim victory, followed by Antilochus, Menelaus, Merion, and Eumelus.

Achilles proposes giving the second prize to the unlucky Eumelus, but Antilochus objects and defends his rightful claim.

Menelaus, angered by Antilochus's reckless driving, demands he swear an oath that he did not cheat to win.

Antilochus's apology pleases Menelaus, who praises the youth's character and graciously yields the prize back to him.

After the prizes are distributed, Achilles presents the final prize, a double bowl, to the venerable Nestor as a gift.

Nestor accepts the gift with gratitude, recalling his past victories in games and praising Achilles for honoring him.

Achilles announces the prizes for a boxing match, and the giant Epeüs rises to issue a confident challenge.

Euryalus accepts the challenge, but Epeüs quickly knocks him down with a powerful blow, winning the match decisively.

Ajax and Ulysses engage in a fierce wrestling match, but neither can gain an advantage, so Achilles declares it a draw.

Achilles announces the prizes for the foot-race, including an ornate silver urn, an ox, and half a talent of gold.

During the foot-race, Ulysses prays to Pallas, who helps him and causes his rival, Ajax, to slip and fall.

Ajax complains about divine intervention, Antilochus jests about age and wisdom, and Achilles awards him an extra prize.

Achilles offers Sarpedon's arms as a prize for single combat, which Diomed and Ajax fight until the Greeks stop them.

Achilles presents a mass of iron for a discus competition, which Polypoetes wins with a mighty throw.

In an archery contest, Teucer's arrow cuts a dove's tether, and Merion then shoots the freed bird from the sky.

Achilles awards the javelin prize to Agamemnon without a contest, honoring his supreme status and concluding the games.