The Iliad, Book 9 summary
Book 9 of 24 · 27 min to read the book
In Book 9, Agamemnon offers gifts to repair his quarrel with Achilles, but the envoys cannot persuade Achilles to defend the threatened Achaean ships. Achilles questions the rewards of war and refuses immediate help, while the commanders accept Diomed’s advice to rest and prepare to fight without him.
What happens
- Agamemnon proposes sailing home, but Diomed opposes him, and Nestor arranges guards and a council.
- At Nestor’s urging, Agamemnon admits his fault and offers Achilles wealth, Briseis, marriage, and cities.
- Ulysses, Ajax, Phoenix, and two heralds visit Achilles, who welcomes them and serves a meal.
- Achilles rejects Ulysses’ appeal, values life above treasure, and describes his choice between lasting fame and a long life.
- Phoenix urges reconciliation through Meleager’s example, and Ajax appeals to friendship, but Achilles refuses to fight until Hector threatens his own ships.
- Phoenix stays with Achilles; the other envoys report failure, and Diomed urges the commanders to rest and renew battle.
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In this book
What to notice
Achilles challenges the value of fighting when effort earns no greater reward. His complaint explains why the promised gifts fail to restore his loyalty.
Quick check
Who stays overnight with Achilles after the embassy?
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