Book 9 Summary

Finally, Agamemnon is feeling enough humility over his army's losses to begin to experience a change of heart. At first, he tries reverse psychology on his men, as he did in the beginning of the story. He suggests they all give in to the will of Zeus and run away with their ships to their homeland. After a long silence, Diomedes stands up to him, inspiring the rest of the army with his own determination to stay and fight alone if necessary. He reminds them of the prophecy that Troy will certainly fall in the tenth year.

Wise Nestor is once again the first to suggest a specific course of action. He points out that it is really the absence of Achilles that is to blame for their current state. He suggests that they make amends with him, since he is a favorite...