# Scene IX explained — Troilus and Cressida

> Chapter companion for Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The Greek commanders hear the news that Hector has been slain by Achilles, and Agamemnon declares that Troy is now as good as won.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Futility

The death of Hector, a noble warrior, underscores the senseless loss and the grim reality that even the greatest heroes fall in war.

### Honor and Glory

Ajax's remark that Hector was 'as good as' Achilles highlights the theme of honor and the recognition of a worthy opponent even in death.

## Character check-ins

### Agamemnon

Leads the Greek commanders, hears the shout of Hector's death, and orders a messenger to summon Achilles.

### Ajax

Acknowledges Hector's death but insists that Hector was as great a man as Achilles.

### Menelaus

Present among the Greek commanders marching on the plains.

### Nestor

Calls for silence to hear the shout announcing Hector's death.

### Diomedes

Confirms the rumor that Hector has been slain by Achilles.

## Key lines

> The bruit is, Hector’s slain, and by Achilles.

The rumor is that Hector has been killed, and Achilles did it.

_Diomedes confirms the widespread report of Hector's death._

> Great Hector was a man as good as he.

The great Hector was just as fine a man as Achilles.

_Ajax insists on Hector's equal worth, refusing to diminish his honor despite his defeat._

> If in his death the gods have us befriended, Great Troy is ours, and our sharp wars are ended.

If the gods have favored us by letting Hector die, then Troy is ours and the bitter war is over.

_Agamemnon interprets Hector's death as a divine sign that the war will soon end in Greek victory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/troilus_and_cressida_se/chapters/act-v-scene-ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/troilus_and_cressida_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/troilus_and_cressida_se/chapters