"The Iliad": Chapter 7

Now we're back to the battle. The return of Hektor and Alexandros is as welcome as a wind to stranded sailors. (I like that metaphor.) The Trojans seem to have a renewed strength in them. This catches Athena's attention, and she makes haste toward the battle.

She runs into Apollo, who knows her desire to turn the tide in the Achaians favor. He instead suggests that they should call a duel between Hektor and a single Achaian. A final fight of the day.

Helenos knew of the god's plan, and informed Hektor immediately. Hektor put a stop to the fighting. Agamemnon put a halt on his troops. Then Hektor informed him of Apollo's plan. Everyone agrees. Hektor then calls for a challenger. No one moves. The Achaians are frightened of Hektor. Then Menelaos steps up for Hektor's challenge. Agamemnon knowing Hektor to be the better fighter praises Menelaos' bravery, but persuades him to not fight such a strong opponent. (Can Menelaos do anything without his brother? Just asking.)

Nestor then scolds the cowardly Achaians by informing them of his past glory. Sufficiently ashamed, nine challengers step forward. They draw lots to decide Hektor's challenger. The great Ais (aka: Ajax as some might know him) is chosen. This is awesome. By some form of luck, the Conan the Destroyer soundtrack just popped up on my iPod. Good mood music for the ensuing battle. Let's do this!

It begins. Hektor heaves his spear first. It pierces through part of Ais' mighty shield. Ais takes his throw which goes all the way through Hektor's smaller shield. They both remove the opposing warrior's spear from their shields. Hektor thrusts only to have his spear bend at the tip. Now Ais takes his thrust through Hektor's shield drawing blood from his neck. Hektor tries throwing a stone at Ais with no effect. Ais then throws a greater stone so as to make Hektor buckle his knees given the force. Now they're using swords. Good close combat. Until the messengers of Zeus intervene.

Zeus wants the fight to cease for nightfall is upon them. They agree and part in friendship with gifts exchanged. That is for lack of a better word AWESOME! I can't imagine being in such a fight, and then parting on such friendly terms. It really makes you rethink respect and honor in the arena of war. Do we have such respect for our enemies in modern war? I tend to think not.

The Trojans and Achaians both in their respective fortresses feast and speak separately of a one day cease fire so as to give them opportunity to properly bury their dead. In Troy Antenor additionally speaks of giving Helen and her possessions back to Menelaos. Alexandros agrees to give back her possession with interest, but will not give up his bride. (I was just starting to gain some resemblance of respect for this idiot.)

Priam then sends messengers to discuss a cease fire so they can both bury their dead. The messenger also gives words of Alexandros' intention to return Helen's possession. Diomedes cries out that this is a sign of desperation on the Trojan's part. They refuse the possessions. But Agamemnon does agree to the cease fire regardless.

The next day both sides are busy about their business of burying their respective dead. The Achaians in addition to this build walls of fortification along the beach for protection.

Poseidon looks angrily upon these fortifications. Angry that there is no sacrifice given to the god. Zeus agrees to let Poseidon destroy these walls once the Achaians are gone from this land. Night falls and the Achaians prepare a feast. They drink wine. But Zeus threatens evil on all the Achaians. No man dares to drink without offering first to Zeus.