# Book XX: The Battle of the Gods explained — The Iliad

> Chapter companion for The Iliad by Homer.

## What happens

Jupiter permits the gods to join the war. Achilles returns to battle with fury, slaying many Trojans. Aeneas is saved by Neptune, and Hector is rescued by Apollo. The gods themselves engage in conflict, shaking heaven and earth.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wrath and Its Consequences

Achilles' fury over Patroclus' death drives him to slaughter Trojans mercilessly, showing the destructive power of unchecked anger.

### The Role of the Gods

The gods openly take sides, intervene in combat, and even fight each other, highlighting their direct influence on mortal affairs.

### The Horrors of War

Graphic descriptions of death and mutilation, such as Iphition's head cleft and Polydorus' fatal wound, underscore war's brutality.

### Heroism and Mortality

Achilles' superhuman prowess contrasts with the fleeting lives of his victims, emphasizing the fragility of mortal glory.

## Character check-ins

### Achilles

Returns to battle with rage, slaying Iphition, Demoleon, Hippodamas, Polydorus, and many others.

### Hector

Encourages the Trojans and confronts Achilles, but is saved by Apollo.

### Zeus

Summons the gods to council and permits them to intervene in the war.

### Apollo

Warns Hector to avoid direct combat with Achilles and later rescues him in a cloud.

### Athena

Deflects Hector's spear from Achilles and joins the battle on the Greek side.

### Poseidon

Shakes the earth and joins the Greek forces, saving Aeneas from Achilles.

### Aeneas

Encountered Achilles but is saved by Neptune.

### Polydorus

Priam's youngest son, killed by Achilles while showing his speed in the front ranks.

## Key lines

> Such stirring words he uttered, while aloud Illustrious Hector called, encouraging The men of Troy, and promising to meet Achilles

Hector rallies the Trojans with bold speeches, vowing to face Achilles.

_Hector's leadership and courage are highlighted as he prepares to confront the Greek champion._

> Then did Achilles, resolute to slay His enemy, rush against him with a shout Of fury; but Apollo, with such power As gods put forth, withdrew him thence, and spread A darkness round him.

Achilles charges Hector, but Apollo shrouds Hector in a cloud and whisks him away.

_Divine intervention saves Hector from certain death, demonstrating the gods' power over mortal fate._

> As when, among The deep dells of an arid mountain-side, A great fire burns its way, and the thick wood Before it is consumed, and shifting winds Hither and thither sweep the flames, so ranged Achilles in his fury through the field

Achilles rages through the battlefield like a wildfire consuming a forest.

_Simile emphasizes the unstoppable and destructive nature of Achilles' rampage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_iliad_se/chapters/book-xx-the-battle-of-the-gods
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