Homer, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 26 · 25 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Agamemnon takes Achilles’ captive Briseis after returning Chryseis to end Apollo’s plague, and Achilles withdraws from the fighting in anger. Thetis secures Jupiter’s support for her son, while Agamemnon receives a deceptive dream and nearly sends his army home through a misguided test of its resolve.
What happens
- Calchas identifies Agamemnon’s treatment of Apollo’s priest as the cause of the plague, and Agamemnon agrees to return Chryseis.
- Agamemnon demands Briseis instead, and Minerva prevents Achilles from attacking him as Nestor unsuccessfully urges reconciliation.
- Chryseis returns to her father, ending the plague, while Achilles surrenders Briseis and refuses further military help.
- Thetis asks Jupiter to support the Trojans temporarily, and his agreement provokes a quarrel with Juno.
- Jupiter sends Agamemnon a deceptive dream, and Agamemnon tests his troops by proposing departure, prompting an eager rush toward the ships.
- Ulysses stops the retreat, strikes Thersites, and restores order; the Greeks eat, sacrifice, and prepare for battle.

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In this chapter
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Why does Agamemnon propose sailing home?

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