The Iliad, Book 11 summary

What happens

1. Discord inspires the Achaeans, and Agamemnon leads a fierce advance before Coon wounds his arm and pain forces him to withdraw.
2. Following Jove’s instructions, Hector attacks; Diomed briefly checks him, but Paris wounds Diomed, who leaves the battle.
3. Ulysses fights alone until wounded; Menelaus and Ajax rescue him, while Nestor carries the wounded Machaon away.
4. Ajax resists the Trojans during his retreat, and Eurypylus suffers an arrow wound while helping him.
5. Achilles sends Patroclus to Nestor, who urges him to persuade Achilles or enter battle wearing Achilles’ armor.
6. On his return, Patroclus meets Eurypylus and stops to remove his arrow and treat his wound.

In this book

What to notice

Idomeneus explains why Nestor must save Machaon. The line stresses the army’s dependence on healing as its leaders suffer wounds.

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