Book VIII

Jupiter forbids divine intervention, the battle turns against the Greeks, and Hector encamps on the plain.

Jove warns the gods not to interfere in the war, threatening Tartarus and demonstrating his supreme power.

Minerva secures permission to advise the Greeks, and Jove departs in his chariot for Mount Ida.

The armies clash fiercely until Jove weighs their fates, tipping his golden scales against the Greeks.

When Hector threatens the endangered Nestor, Diomed rushes to his rescue while Ulysses flees the field.

Diomed and Nestor confront Hector, but Jove hurls a thunderbolt before them, forcing a retreat.

Nestor convinces Diomed to flee, who worries about his fame, prompting Hector to mock him loudly.

As Diomed hesitates, Hector rallies his troops and horses, vowing to burn the Greek fleet.

Juno, seeing the Greeks' plight, unsuccessfully urges Neptune to defy Jove and intervene in the battle.

As Hector drives the Greeks back, Agamemnon stands on Ulysses' ship and prays to Jove for deliverance.

Jove sends an eagle as a favorable omen, inspiring the Greeks to rally and counter-attack.

Teucer slays numerous Trojans with his bow, earning praise and the promise of rich rewards from Agamemnon.

After failing to hit Hector, Teucer is struck down by a large rock thrown by the Trojan prince.

Seeing the Greeks routed by Hector, Juno appeals to Minerva to join her in defending them.

Minerva angrily recounts her services to Jove and prepares for battle, donning her father's armor.

As Juno and Minerva fly to battle, Jove sees them and sends Iris with a dire threat.

Iris relays Jove's furious command, and Juno immediately gives up, stating they cannot contend with him.

The goddesses return to their seats, and Jove returns to his throne to confront them for their defiance.

Jove rebukes the goddesses and prophesies future events before night falls on the battlefield.

Hector convenes a council and orders the Trojans to make camp, light fires, and guard against a Greek escape.

The Trojans prepare their camp and light a thousand watch-fires that illuminate the plain before Troy.