Book 19 Summary

Thetis returns to her son with his new armor and tries to comfort him by promising to preserve the body of Patroklos. She also advises him to reconcile with Agamemnon, which he does. Both men accept blame for what has happened, and Agamemnon renews his offer of gifts and the return of Briseis. However, Achilles is eager to fight, and says Agamemnon is free to either give him these things, or not, but that their attention should now be on winning the war. In fact, he refuses even to eat or drink until he has fought the enemy.

Zeus sends Athena with Ambrosia for Achilles, so he will not be too weakened to fight and Achilles arms himself for battle. When he is ready, and his horses are yoked to his chariot, he raises his voice and calls each horse by name, instructing...