The Iliad, Book 19 summary
Book 19 of 24 · 15 min to read the book
In Book 19, Achilles accepts armor from Thetis, ends his quarrel with Agamemnon, and prepares to fight despite his grief for Patroclus. Agamemnon supplies gifts and swears that Briseis remains untouched, while divine nourishment sustains Achilles and Xanthus warns him of his approaching death.
What happens
- Thetis brings divine armor, protects Patroclus’s body from decay, and urges Achilles to reconcile with Agamemnon.
- Achilles renounces his anger, while Agamemnon blames divine madness and offers compensation.
- Ulysses insists that the army eat first; gifts arrive, and Agamemnon swears that he has not touched Briseis.
- Briseis mourns Patroclus, and Achilles refuses food despite his companions’ attempts to comfort him.
- At Jove’s command, Minerva nourishes Achilles with nectar and ambrosia while the army arms.
- Achilles puts on his armor, hears Xanthus predict his death, and drives toward the front.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Iliad, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this book
What to notice
Achilles accepts the warning without abandoning battle. His decision joins awareness of death with his determination to fight.
Quick check
Why does Ulysses oppose sending the army straight into battle?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Iliad, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
