Book 18 Summary

Patroklos has not returned, so Achilles knows he has probably disobeyed his warnings. When Antilochos arrives and tells him what has happened, Achilles grieves bitterly, crying so loud his mother hears him from the depths of the sea, and comes to grieve with him. He tells her he is going to throw himself into the battle and dedicate himself to avenging his friend by going after Hector, who killed him. His mother tearfully reminds him that he is telling her she must lose him soon too, since it is foretold that his death would follow Hector's. Achilles accepts this as just, since he wasn't standing by his friend when he died. He believes that if he hadn't stayed too long out of the fighting, Patroklos may have lived.

His mother realizes she will not change his mind, but points out that his armor...