The Iliad, Book 20 summary
Book 20 of 24 · 19 min to read the book
In Book 20, Jove allows the gods to support their chosen armies, and Achilles attacks the Trojans while Neptune rescues Aeneas from their duel. After Polydorus dies, Hector confronts Achilles but escapes through Apollo’s intervention, leaving Achilles to kill other warriors without mercy.
What happens
- Jove permits divine intervention, and the gods divide between the armies before taking separate watching places.
- Apollo encourages Aeneas to face Achilles, and the two warriors exchange challenges and accounts of their ancestry.
- Their weapons strike each other’s shields, but Neptune removes Aeneas before Achilles can kill him.
- Achilles urges the Achaeans forward, while Apollo warns Hector against single combat with him.
- Achilles kills Polydorus, prompting Hector to attack; Minerva deflects Hector’s spear, and Apollo conceals him from Achilles.
- Achilles kills more Trojans, rejects a plea for mercy, and drives through bodies with his horses.
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In this book
What to notice
Hector admits Achilles’ superior strength but refuses to treat victory as certain. Divine interference immediately determines what happens to their weapons and bodies.
Quick check
Why does Neptune rescue Aeneas?
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