And, thus, book xxiv is a perfect conclusion to homers iliad. In fact, the return of hectors dead body to the city of troy is the main point of this final book. In book xxiv of homers iliad, priam departs from troy with the intention of ransoming hectors corpse from achilles. Achilles kindness to priam in book xxiv ends the warriors wrath and brings the work full circle the war situation is not essentially different from the way it was at the start. Achilles tells priam that his father peleus will never see him again. With hektors burial accomplished and achilles death imminent, the great antagonists of the iliad have been dealt with. Book xxii and xxiv discuss the events of hectors death and burial emphasized by achilles actions, while book xxiii provides a transition between the two. Samuel butlers translation of the iliad and odyssey. However, he knows that he has a mortal life though hes gifted with superhuman abilities. Thus shamefully did achilles in his fury dishonour hector. Achilles asks priam to sit but priam refuses, asking to ransom the body immediately. Achilles is so moved by these reawakened memories of home and parents that he agrees to accept priams offer of ransom for hektors body.
The iliad book xxiv great books of the western world. When the chariot arrives at achilles tent, hermes reveals himself and then leaves priam alone with achilles. The epic poem ends with the trojans burying hector. How do we know achilles has matured in this last book. Here achilles nicely greats the defeated king priam and negotiates the ransom for hectors body.
Iliad study guide contains a biography of homer, literature essays, a complete etext, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Hector always respected the gods, so the gods should ensure his body. He asks achilles to think of his own father, peleus, and the love between them. Book xxiv achilles and priam q7 achilles has a very unique relationship with the gods.
The gods are in disagreement about whether or not to save hectors body, and if so, what is the correct way to save hectors body. In book 24 of homers the iliad, priam of troy goes to the myrmidon camp and asks achilles for hectors body. Together, these books emphasize the dilution of achilles rage as is contrasted by the fall of hector and the subsequent fall of troy. Priam tearfully supplicates achilles, begging for hectors body. Achilles asks priam not to anger him, as he might kill him if his temper flares.
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