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Iliad. Liebig illustrations, early 20C AD. Artist n/a.

Relevant links Philoctetes Aeneas Hector 1 Andromache Priam 1

The wound that a snake caused Philoctetes proved to be incurable, and the stench which it produced was so difficult to endure that Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the army that had sailed against Troy, decided to get rid of Philoctetes, putting him ashore in the island of Lemnos, where he survived in the wildernesss for several years.

Philoctetes at Lemnos

During the Trojan War, Aeneas was wounded by Diomedes 2 and, having fainted, would have died if his mother had not come to his rescue. When on the occasion Aphrodite herself was wounded by Diomedes 2, Apollo took over the protection of the wounded Aeneas, removing him from the battle to the citadel of Pergamus where his temple stood.

Iris 1, delivering a message from Zeus, prevents Athena and Hera from helping the Achaeans. So she said:

"Whither are you twain hastening? Why is it that the hearts are mad within your breasts? The son of Cronos suffers not that you give succour to the Argives. For on this wise he threatens, even as he will bring it to pass: he will maim your swift horses beneath your chariot, and yourselves will he hurl from out the car, and will break in pieces the chariot. Ten rolling years would pass, and you be left still suffering from the wounds his thunderbolt would deal you ..." (Iris 1 to Athena and Hera. Homer, Iliad 8.415).

Iris 1 prevents Athena and Hera from helping the Achaeans

Hector 1 leaves for battle. It is then his wife Andromache tells him:

"You, Hector, are father and mother and brother to me, as well as my beloved husband. Have pity on me now; stay here in the city, and do not make your boy an orphan and your wife a widow." (Andromache to Hector 1. Homer, Iliad 6.430).

Hector 1 addresses then a vain prayer to the gods:

"Grant that this boy of mine be as strong and brave as I; a mighty king of Troy." (Hector 1. Homer, Iliad 6.475).

Good-byes of Hector 1 and Andromache

"Thus Hector charged, brandishing his sharp sword. Achilles sprang to meet him, inflamed with savage passion." (Homer, Iliad 22.310).

Hector 1 and Achilles in single combat

Priam 1 left Troy and went to see Achilles, carrying twelve robes, twelve cloaks, twelve sheets, twelve mantles, twelve tunics, and many other gifts, to ransom the body of his son Hector 1 with.

Priam 1 leaves Troy to meet Achilles