The Iliad · Chapter
Book XIV: The Fraud Practised on Jupiter by Juno explained
Agamemnon, Nestor, Diomed, and Ulysses consult as the Greeks are routed.
What happens
Agamemnon, Nestor, Diomed, and Ulysses consult as the Greeks are routed. Agamemnon proposes a night retreat, which Ulysses opposes. The wounded chiefs rally the army. Juno borrows Aphrodite's cestus and seduces Zeus, causing him to fall asleep, allowing Neptune to aid the Greeks. Hector is wounded by Ajax and carried from the field.
Themes in this chapter
The Role of the Gods
Juno's deception of Zeus and Neptune's direct intervention on the battlefield highlight the gods' active manipulation of human events.
Pride and Reconciliation
Agamemnon's proposal to retreat is met with harsh criticism from Ulysses, reflecting tensions among the Greek leaders and the need for unity.
The Horrors of War
The chaotic slaughter, the wounding of Hector, and the desperate rallying of the wounded kings underscore the brutal reality of combat.
Characters to notice
- Nestor
Observes the rout from his tent, consults with Machaon, then seeks Agamemnon.
- Agamemnon
Proposes retreat by night, is rebuked by Ulysses, then joins the wounded kings to rally the troops.
- Odysseus
Firmly opposes Agamemnon's plan to withdraw, arguing it would doom the Greeks.
- Diomedes
Advises the wounded kings to join the battle and encourage the army, despite their injuries.
- Hector
Wounded by Ajax with a stone, collapses but is rescued by his comrades and carried to the river Xanthus.
- Ajax
Hurls a stone at Hector, striking him on the chest and felling him.
- Poseidon
Disguised as an old man, encourages Agamemnon and the Greeks, then leads the charge with a fearsome sword.
- Hera
Borrows Aphrodite's cestus and seduces Zeus to put him to sleep, enabling Poseidon's intervention.
Key passages
“The mighty uproar was not unperceived By Nestor’s ear, who, sitting at the wine, Addressed the son of Aesculapius thus:— “Noble Machaon, what will happen now? Bethink thee: for the clamor grows more loud From our young warriors at the ships.””
Nestor, drinking wine, hears the growing battle noise and asks Machaon what is happening, noting the clamor from the young fighters near the ships.
Nestor's concern reflects the escalating crisis and his role as an elder advisor.
“Then wise Ulysses, with stern look, replied:— “What words, Atrides, have escaped thy lips? Unhappy man, thou shouldst have held command O’er some effeminate army, and not ours— Ours to whom Jupiter, from youth to age, Hath granted to accomplish difficult wars, until we pass away.””
Ulysses sternly rebukes Agamemnon, saying his suggestion to retreat is unworthy of a king leading Greeks who are destined to endure hard wars.
Ulysses' sharp response underscores the theme of honor and the rejection of cowardice.
“As when beneath The stroke of Father Jupiter an oak Falls broken at the root, and from it fumes A stifling smell of sulphur, and the heart Of him who stands and sees it sinks with dread— For fearful is the bolt of mighty Jove— So dropped the valiant Hector to the earth Amid the dust.”
Hector falls like an oak struck by Zeus's lightning, causing awe and fear in those who witness it.
The simile emphasizes Hector's heroic stature and the devastating impact of his fall.
