Book VIII
21 argumentative units
- 01Summary of Book VIII
Jupiter forbids divine intervention, the battle turns against the Greeks, and Hector encamps on the plain.
- 02Jove Forbids Divine Intervention
Jove warns the gods not to interfere in the war, threatening Tartarus and demonstrating his supreme power.
- 03Minerva's Plea and Jove's Departure
Minerva secures permission to advise the Greeks, and Jove departs in his chariot for Mount Ida.
- 04The Battle and Jove's Scales
The armies clash fiercely until Jove weighs their fates, tipping his golden scales against the Greeks.
- 05Diomed Rushes to Rescue Nestor
When Hector threatens the endangered Nestor, Diomed rushes to his rescue while Ulysses flees the field.
- 06Jove's Thunderbolt Halts Diomed
Diomed and Nestor confront Hector, but Jove hurls a thunderbolt before them, forcing a retreat.
- 07Hector Taunts the Retreating Greeks
Nestor convinces Diomed to flee, who worries about his fame, prompting Hector to mock him loudly.
- 08Hector Rallies the Trojans
As Diomed hesitates, Hector rallies his troops and horses, vowing to burn the Greek fleet.
- 09Juno's Plea to Neptune Fails
Juno, seeing the Greeks' plight, unsuccessfully urges Neptune to defy Jove and intervene in the battle.
- 10Agamemnon's Desperate Prayer
As Hector drives the Greeks back, Agamemnon stands on Ulysses' ship and prays to Jove for deliverance.
- 11Jove's Omen and the Greek Rally
Jove sends an eagle as a favorable omen, inspiring the Greeks to rally and counter-attack.
- 12Teucer's Prowess and Agamemnon's Praise
Teucer slays numerous Trojans with his bow, earning praise and the promise of rich rewards from Agamemnon.
- 13Hector Fells Teucer with a Rock
After failing to hit Hector, Teucer is struck down by a large rock thrown by the Trojan prince.
- 14Juno Appeals to Minerva for Aid
Seeing the Greeks routed by Hector, Juno appeals to Minerva to join her in defending them.
- 15Minerva's Anger and Preparation for Battle
Minerva angrily recounts her services to Jove and prepares for battle, donning her father's armor.
- 16Jove Sends Iris to Stop the Goddesses
As Juno and Minerva fly to battle, Jove sees them and sends Iris with a dire threat.
- 17Iris Delivers Jove's Threat
Iris relays Jove's furious command, and Juno immediately gives up, stating they cannot contend with him.
- 18The Goddesses Return to Olympus
The goddesses return to their seats, and Jove returns to his throne to confront them for their defiance.
- 19Jove's Final Prophecy as Night Falls
Jove rebukes the goddesses and prophesies future events before night falls on the battlefield.
- 20Hector's Orders for a Night Watch
Hector convenes a council and orders the Trojans to make camp, light fires, and guard against a Greek escape.
- 21The Trojan Watch-Fires
The Trojans prepare their camp and light a thousand watch-fires that illuminate the plain before Troy.