The Iliad, Book 5 summary
Book 5 of 24 · 33 min to read the book
In Book 5, Minerva strengthens Diomed, who kills Pandarus, wounds Aeneas, and attacks the gods protecting his enemies, wounding Venus before Apollo makes him withdraw. When Mars helps the Trojans press the Achaeans, Minerva gains permission to oppose him and guides Diomed’s spear into his belly, forcing him from battle.
What happens
- Minerva strengthens Diomed, restores his fighting power after Pandarus wounds him, and permits him to attack Venus but no other god.
- Diomed kills Pandarus and wounds Aeneas; Sthenelus captures Aeneas’s horses while Venus tries to carry her son away.
- Diomed wounds Venus, Apollo protects Aeneas, and Dione heals her daughter on Olympus.
- Apollo restores Aeneas to battle, while Mars supports the Trojans and Hector rallies their ranks.
- Sarpedon kills Tlepolemus but suffers a thigh wound; Hector and Mars force the Achaeans to give ground.
- With Jove’s permission, Minerva guides Diomed against Mars, wounds him through Diomed’s spear, and drives him to Olympus for healing.
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In this book
What to notice
Apollo draws a boundary after Diomed repeatedly attacks the protected Aeneas. Diomed withdraws, showing that his extraordinary strength does not remove divine limits.
Quick check
Why does Diomed initially give ground when Mars joins Hector?
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