The Iliad, Book 6 summary

What happens

1. The Achaeans press the Trojans hard, and Helenus sends Hector into the city to arrange prayers to Minerva.
2. Glaucus recounts Bellerophon's trials, allowing Diomed to recognize their families' friendship and propose an exchange of armor instead of combat.
3. Hecuba gathers the women, and Theano offers a robe and prayer to Minerva, who refuses their request.
4. Hector rebukes Paris, hears Helen's grief, and searches for his wife and child.
5. Andromache asks Hector to defend the wall, but he chooses frontline fighting and prays for their son's strength and glory.
6. Andromache returns home mourning, while Paris catches Hector and joins him on his way toward battle.

In this book

What to notice

Hector explains why he refuses Andromache's plea. His concern for public honor outweighs the safety his wife asks him to seek.

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