The Iliad · Chapter
Book X: The Night-Adventure of Diomed and Ulysses explained
Agamemnon, unable to sleep due to distress over Achilles' obstinacy and the Trojan threat, consults with Menelaus, Nestor, Ulysses, and Diomed.
What happens
Agamemnon, unable to sleep due to distress over Achilles' obstinacy and the Trojan threat, consults with Menelaus, Nestor, Ulysses, and Diomed. A council is held, and Diomed and Ulysses volunteer to spy on the Trojan camp. They capture and kill the Trojan spy Dolon, then proceed to slay the Thracian king Rhesus and seize his horses.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Mortality
Diomed and Ulysses demonstrate heroic courage by volunteering for a dangerous night mission, while Dolon's death underscores the mortal risks of war.
The Role of the Gods
Athena directly aids the Greek spies, sending a favorable omen (a heron) and answering their prayers, highlighting divine intervention in human affairs.
Wrath and Its Consequences
Agamemnon's distress stems from Achilles' wrath, which has weakened the Greek army and forced desperate measures like the night raid.
Characters to notice
- Agamemnon
Agamemnon is sleepless and deeply troubled by the Greek army's peril, consulting with Nestor and organizing a night mission.
- Menelaus
Menelaus is also restless, fearing for the Greeks who came to Troy for his sake, and he joins his brother in seeking counsel.
- Nestor
Nestor is awakened by Agamemnon and participates in the council, advising on the selection of spies.
- Diomedes
Diomed volunteers for the night mission, chooses Ulysses as his companion, and prays to Athena for aid before setting out.
- Odysseus
Ulysses is chosen by Diomed for his wisdom and courage; he prays to Athena and leads the mission, capturing and interrogating Dolon.
- Dolon
Dolon, a Trojan spy sent by Hector, is captured by Diomed and Ulysses, reveals Trojan plans, and is killed despite offering ransom.
- Hector
Hector organizes the Trojan camp and sends Dolon on a spying mission, promising him Achilles' horses.
- Rhesus
Rhesus, the Thracian king, is killed in his tent by Diomed, and his magnificent horses are taken by the Greeks.
Key passages
“All the night long the captains of the Greeks Slept at the ships, and pleasant was their sleep— Save only Agamemnon, Atreus’ son, The shepherd of the people. Not to him— Vexed with a thousand cares—came gentle sleep.”
While the Greek leaders slept peacefully by their ships, Agamemnon alone lay awake, tormented by countless worries.
This opening sets the mood of anxiety and highlights Agamemnon's burden as commander.
“Take me alive, and ye shall have from me A ransom: there is store of brass and gold And well-wrought steel, of which a princely share My father will bestow when he shall hear Of me alive and at the Grecian fleet.”
Dolon begs for his life, promising a rich ransom of bronze, gold, and fine steel from his father.
Dolon's plea reflects the common practice of ransoming captives in Homeric warfare.
“He spake; and both lay down without the path Among the dead, while he unwarily Passed by them.”
Diomed and Ulysses hid among the corpses, and Dolon unknowingly walked past them.
The use of deception and stealth is central to this night mission.
