The Iliad · Chapter
Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces explained
Zeus sends a deceptive dream to Agamemnon, promising immediate victory at Troy.
What happens
Zeus sends a deceptive dream to Agamemnon, promising immediate victory at Troy. Agamemnon tests the army's loyalty by suggesting retreat, causing a chaotic rush to the ships. Odysseus restores order, punishes the insolent Thersites, and rallies the troops. Nestor advises a review of the forces, leading to the Catalogue of Ships and Trojan allies.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Free Will
Zeus manipulates events through a deceptive dream, yet Agamemnon's choices and the army's reactions show human agency within divine plans.
Pride and Reconciliation
Agamemnon's pride leads to a test of loyalty, while Odysseus's intervention restores order, hinting at the need for unity.
The Role of the Gods
Zeus and Athena actively intervene—Zeus via the dream, Athena by guiding the army and bearing the aegis.
Characters to notice
- Agamemnon
Deceived by Zeus's dream, tests the army's resolve, and leads the sacrifice.
- Odysseus
Restores order, punishes Thersites, and delivers a rousing speech to the troops.
- Nestor
Advises Agamemnon to review the troops and provides counsel.
- Menelaus
Unbidden, joins the council, sharing his brother's concerns.
- Idomeneus
Among the elder princes summoned to the sacrifice.
- Ajax
Summoned with other princes to the sacrifice.
- Diomedes
Present among the elder princes at the sacrifice.
- Zeus
Sends a treacherous dream to Agamemnon, orchestrating events.
Key passages
“Of what dost thou complain; what wouldst thou more, Atrides? In thy tents are heaps of gold; Thy tents are full of chosen damsels, given To thee before all others, by the Greeks, Whene'er we take a city.”
Thersites mocks Agamemnon for his greed, accusing him of hoarding treasure and women while the army suffers.
Thersites' insolent speech challenges Agamemnon's authority and highlights class tensions.
“I tell thee now—and I shall keep my word— If e'er again I find thee railing on, As now thou dost, then let Ulysses wear His head no longer, let me not be called The father of Telemachus, if I Shall fail to seize thee, and to strip thee bare Of cloak and tunic, and whatever else Covers thy carcass, and to send thee forth, Howling, to our swift barques upon the shore, Scourged from the council with a storm of blows.”
Odysseus threatens Thersites with public humiliation and a beating if he continues to insult the king.
Odysseus enforces discipline and respect for authority among the ranks.
“The Greeks, O Atreus' son, would bring on thee Dishonor in the eyes and speech of men, Breaking the promise made when first they came From Argos, famed for steeds, that, having spoiled This well-defended Troy, thou shouldst return A conqueror.”
Odysseus reminds the army of their oath to conquer Troy, shaming them for wanting to retreat.
Odysseus uses rhetoric to restore the army's commitment to the war.