Delahoyde Orpheus HOMER'S ILIAD: BOOK VII

Questions for Book VII:

• The recommendation arises in the Trojan counsel meeting that perhaps Paris should return Helen. Do you think this would end the war?

Hector and Paris work together successfully on the battlefield. Apollo (pro-Trojan) and Athena (anti-Trojan) face off. And the gods suggest to Hector a duel: "I'll speak out what the heart inside me urges" (7.79). Menelaus shames the Greeks for not jumping at the challenge. Nestor wishes he were young again and yammers on about his past glories. But nine Greeks get roused for battle. The decision amounts to a kind of lottery -- stones in a helmet -- and Ajax "wins." After the customary trash-talking, Hector heaves a spear and pierces six of the eight layers of Ajax's shield, then Ajax heaves. Next, they go for their lances and more. "and the rock crashed home, Hector's shield burst in,
hit by a millstone -- and Hector's fine knees buckled,
flat on his back he went, his shield crushing down on him
swept him off his feet. But Apollo quickly pulled him up"
(7.312-315). Apollo and Athena are antagonists, Hector is hit by a rock, and we ask when will this cursèd war end? Ajax and Hector agree to take a break for a day. It's all reason for rejoicing, unless you're an ox in the Greek camp.

Back in Troy at a council meeting, Paris agrees to return the stolen treasures to Menelaus, but he refuses to give up Helen.

"Now I say this to our stallion-breaking Trojans,
I say No, straight out -- I won't give up the woman!"
(7.415-416). Life does have to mean something, after all.

Helen is, hoever, disturbingly referred to by the Trojans as "the lawful wife of Menelaus" (7.452). Corpses are piled up, pyres made, and libations offered to Zeus.

---

Iliad: Book VIII
Iliad Index
Orpheus: Greek Mythology