Translators' Introduction: 1. Same word translated the same way each time. 2. For words in glossary, one form of the Greek word for all derivatives 3. Include plus verses. 4. We try to follow Greek word order. 5. We substitute names for pronouns when the reference is not obvious. 6. We respect the integrity of the line even at the expense of the distinction between active and passive voice. The Homeric Iliad Originally translated by Samuel Butler Retranslated by Casey Due, Mary Ebbott, Douglas Frame, Leonard Muellner, and Gregory Nagy SCROLL I-1 [1] The anger [me>nis] of Peleus' son Achilles, goddess, perform its song -- [2] disastrous anger that made countless sufferings [algos pl.] for the Achaeans, [3] and many steadfast lives [psukhe> pl.; n:v.l. heads] it drove down to Hades, [4] heroes' lives, but their selves [note needed about body vs. soul and identity] it made prizes for dogs [5] and for all birds [n: v.l. a feast for birds], and the plan of Zeus was being fulfilled [telos] -- [6] sing starting from the point where the two first clashed [eris], [7] the son of Atreus, lord of men, and radiant Achilles. [8] So, which of the gods was it that pushed the two to clash [eris] and fight? [9] It was the son of Leto and Zeus. Infuriated [kholos] at the king, [10] he stirred up an evil pestilence throughout the mass of warriors, and the warriors kept on dying, [11] because Chryse>s [n:Chryse>s is the name of the man; Chryse is the name of the city], the one who prays and curses, was dishonored [time>] [12] by the son of Atreus. For Chryse>s came to the swift ships of the Achaeans [13] to get his daughter's release, bringing with him a ransom [apoina] beyond telling, [n:=I-1.372] [14] holding in his hands the suppliant wreaths of far-shooting Apollo [n:=I-1.373] [15] wound around a golden scepter, and he supplicated all the Achaeans, [16] but most of all the two sons of Atreus, who marshal the warriors. [17] "Sons of Atreus and you other well-greaved Achaeans, [18] may the gods who possess homes on Olympus grant to you [19] that you destroy the city [polis] of Priam and that you have a good homecoming; [20] but you, release to me my dear [phile>] daughter, and accept a ransom [apoina], [21] in awe of the son of Zeus, far-shooting Apollo." [22] At this point all the other Achaeans voiced their assent, [23] to show respect [aido>s] to the priest [hiereus] and to accept the splendid ransom; [24] but this was not pleasing to the son of Atreus, Agamemnon, in his heart [thumos]. [25] Instead, dismissing him -- a bad thing to do -- he set in motion overpowering words [muthos]: [26] "Don't let me find you, old man, near the hollow ships, [27] either lingering now or coming back again later. [28] The scepter and the wreath of the god will not help you. [29] I will not release her. Before that happens, old age will come to her [30] in my house at Argos, far away from her ancestral home, [31] going to the upright loom and coming to my bed. [32] So go, don't provoke me, or you won't get home safely." [33] So he spoke, and the old man was frightened and heeded the words [muthos]. [34] He went in silence along the shore of the resounding sea. [35] Then, moving apart from the rest, the old man prayed intensely [36] to lord Apollo, to whom Leto with beautiful hair gave birth. [37] "Hear me, you with the silver bow, you who stand over Chryse> [38] and holy Killa and lord over Tenedos with might, [39] Apollo Smintheus, if I have [n:augment] ever built a temple pleasing [kharis] to you all the way to the top, [40] or if ever I have [n:augment] burned for you fat thigh-pieces [41] of bulls and goats, bring to fulfillment this wish for me: [42] Let the Danaans [n:Achaeans, Danaans, and Argives are synonyms] pay for my tears with your arrows." [43] So he spoke praying, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, [44] and he came down from the heights of Olympus, furious in his heart. [45] On his shoulders he had a bow and a covered quiver, [46] and the arrows made a noise on his shoulders, furious as he was, [47] as his body moved; and he came looking like the night [n:v.l. wrapped up in the night]. [48] Then he sat apart from the ships and let loose an arrow. [49] Terrible was the noise from the silver bow. [50] First he went after the mules and the keen hounds, [51] and then he let fly a sharp arrow at the people themselves, [52] and he was hitting them; without end the pyres of the dead kept on burning, one after another. [53] Nine days the arrows of the god went throughout the mass of warriors, [54] and on the tenth day Achilles called the warriors together to assembly, [55] for the white-armed goddess Hera put it in his heart [phre>n pl.]; [56] for she was worried [ke>dos] about the Danaans, because she saw them dying continually. [57] So when they came to assembly and were assembled together, [58] swift-footed Achilles stood up among them and spoke, [59] "Son of Atreus, I guess that now, set back and driven off course, [60] we really will return home [nostos] -- if we manage to escape death at least -- [61] seeing that war and plague together are subduing the Achaeans. [62] But come, let us ask some seer [mantis] or priest [hiereus] [63] or even a diviner of dreams -- in fact a dream is also from Zeus -- [64] who could say why Phoebus Apollo has become so furious [n:augment], [65] whether he finds fault with a prayer or a hecatomb [note on what this is], [66] in the hope that somehow, when the savor of lambs and perfect goats reaches him, [67] he may want to ward off devastation for us." [68] So he spoke and sat down. Then stood up among them [69] Calchas, son of Thestor, best [aristos] by far among diviners of birds, [70] who knew things that are, things that will be, and things that were before. [71] He guided the ships of the Achaeans to Ilion [n:Ilion is a synonym of Troy], [72] through his skill as a seer [mantis], which Phoebus Apollo gave him. [73] With good intentions [phre>n] toward them, he spoke in assembly and said, [74] "Achilles, you call on me, you who are dear to Zeus, to speak about [muthos] [75] the anger [me>nis] of lord Apollo, the far-shooter. [76] So I will speak, but I want you to understand and swear to me [77] that hereby you will readily protect me with words [epos] and with force of hands. [78] I am guessing that I will really infuriate [kholos] the man who has great power over all [79] the Argives [n:Achaeans, Danaans, and Argives are synonyms] in his dominance [kratos], and the Achaeans heed him. [80] A king has more power when he gets infuriated at a weaker man. [81] For even if he swallows and nurses his fury [kholos] today, [82] in the future he will still have a grudge [kotos], until he brings it to fulfillment [telos], [83] keeping it inside his chest. But you, consider [n:v.l. tell] whether you are willing to save me [so>zo>]. [84] Swift-footed Achilles answered him and said, [85] "Be very bold and tell whatever divine sign you know. [86] For I swear by Apollo, dear [philos] to Zeus, to whom you, Calchas, [87] pray, and you bring to light the divine signs for the Danaans, [88] that no one while I am alive on earth and have eyes to see [89] will set heavy hands on you near the hollow ships, [90] not a single one of all the Danaans, not even if you mean Agamemnon, [91] who now boasts that he is best [aristos] by far of the Achaeans." [92] At that point, the faultless seer [mantis] became bold and said, [93] "The god does not find fault with a prayer or a hecatomb. [94] It is about the man who prays and curses, whom Agamemnon has [n:augment] dishonored [time>] -- [95] he has [n:augment] not released his daughter and has [n:augment] not accepted a ransom [apoina] for her. [96] For this reason the far-shooter has [n:augment] given these sufferings [algos pl.], and will give still more, [97] and he will not keep away the heavy hands of plague [n:v.l. and he will not push away hideous devastation for the Danaans] [98] until Agamemnon gives back the girl with the dancing eyes [needs note in commentary] to her dear [philos] father [99] without price or ransom, and drives a sacred hecatomb of cattle [100] to Chryse. At that point, we might appease and persuade him." [101] So he spoke and sat down. Then stood up among them [102] the hero, son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, [103] and he was aggrieved [akhos]. His heart [phre>n pl.] became black with anger [menos], [104] full of rage [menos], and his two eyes looked like glowing fire. [105] Giving an evil look first of all to Calchas, he spoke, [106] "Seer [mantis] of evil, you have [n:augment] never yet told me what is real. [107] Prophesying [mantis] evil things is endlessly dear [philos] to your heart [phre>n], [108] but you have [n:augment] never yet spoken a good [esthlos] word [epos] nor seen it to fulfillment [telos]. [109] Now once again you come giving divine signs, speaking in assembly among the Danaans, [110] saying that for this reason the far-shooter makes sufferings for them, [111] that the splendid ransom [apoina] for the daughter of Chryse>s [112] I was not willing to accept, since I want very much [113] to keep her at home. In fact, I have come to prefer her to Clytemnestra, [114] the bride of my youth, since she is not inferior to her [115] in build or physique, or in feeling [phre>n pl.] or skills. [116] But even so I am willing to give her back, if that is better. [117] I do want the warriors to be safe [so>zo>], and not perish. [118] Now prepare for me immediately a prize [geras], so that I alone [119] of the Argives will not be without a prize [geras], since that doesn't look good. [120] For you all see this, that my prize [geras] is going somewhere else." [121] Then swift-footed radiant Achilles answered him, [122] "Son of Atreus, most glorious [kudos], avaricious beyond all mankind, [123] how in the world will the great-hearted [thumos] Achaeans give you another prize [geras]? [124] We don't know of many common possessions stored anywhere. [125] The things we plundered from the cities [polis], those have been distributed, [126] and it wouldn't look good for the warriors to gather up those things and collect them again. [127] But you now, send forth this girl for the god, and then we Achaeans [128] will pay you back three and four times over, if in fact Zeus [129] gives us the well-walled city [polis] of Troy to destroy." [130] The ruler Agamemnon answered him and said, [131] "Don't you try, valiant [agathos] though you are, godlike Achilles, [132] to be deceptive in intention [noos]. You won't get ahead of me or convince me. [133] Are you really willing, so that you can hold on to your prize [geras], to let me [134] sit here deprived like this, and are you telling me to give this girl back? [135] Well, if the great-hearted [thumos] Achaeans give me a prize [geras] [136] fit to my liking [thumos], to be of matching value . . . [137] But if they won't give it, then I might get one myself, [138] going for either your prize [geras] or Ajax's, or Odysseus's [139] I will seize it and drive it off; and whichever man I come to, he will be furious [kholos]. [140] But we certainly can think these things over later on. [141] At the moment, we must drag a dark ship into the radiant sea, [142] and in it put rowers as needed, and on it let a hecatomb [143] be placed, and onboard it the fine-cheeked daughter of Chryse>s [144] will step. Some man of rank, one who can call a council, should be in charge, [145] either Ajax or Idomeneus or radiant Odysseus, [146] or even you, son of Peleus, most shocking of all men, [147] so that you can make sacrifices and appease on our behalf the one who works from afar [=Apollo]." [148] Then swift-footed Achilles gave him a fierce look and addressed him, [149] "Unbelievable! you are clothed in shamelessness, and your wily heart [phre>n] is set on profit [n:I-4.339]. [150] How could any of the Achaeans readily be persuaded by your words [epos], [151] either to come in the first place or to fight mightily with men? [152] I did not come here on account of Trojan spearmen, [153] to fight them, since they are not at all responsible [aitios] as far as I'm concerned. [154] They have [n:augment] never driven off my cattle, not to mention my horses, [155] and never in fertile Phthia that nourishes men [156] have [n:augment] they destroyed my crops, since many things lie between us, [157] shadowy mountains and echoing sea. [158] But we have accompanied you, you shameless man, just to please [kharis] you, [159] striving to get honor [time>] for Menelaos and for you, dog eyes, [160] from the Trojans. Not one of these things do you regard or care about; [n:v.l. Zen. did not read] [161] in fact, you threaten that you will take away my prize [geras] yourself, [162] the prize for which I toiled much, and which the sons of the Achaeans gave me. [163] I never have a prize [geras] equal to yours, anytime [n:v.l. not even when, Zen.] the Achaeans [164] destroy a [n: the, if variant in 163 is accepted] well placed citadel of the Trojans. [165] But the greater part of quick-moving war [166] my hands tend to; yet once the moment of distribution comes [167] you get the greater prize [geras] by far, and I with a smaller but dear [philon] one [168] go back to the ships, when [n:v.l. whenever] I am worn out from making war. [169] Now I am going to Phthia, since it's really much better [170] to go home with the curved ships, and I do not think that for you [171] I will serve up wealth and riches while I am dishonored [time>] here." [172] Then lord of men Agamemnon answered him, [173] "Go ahead, run away, if your heart [thumos] is in a rush [n:v.l. desires]. I am not [174] supplicating you to stay for my sake. There are others on my side [175] who will honor [time>] me, and most of all Zeus the deviser [me>tis]. [176] You are most hateful to me of the kings nurtured by Zeus. [177] Strife [eris] and wars and fights are always dear [philos] to you. [178] If you're so strong, some god must have given this to you. [179] Go home with your ships and your comrades, [180] go be lord over the Myrmidons, I don't care about you, [181] and I pay no attention to you and your grudge [kotos]. Here is my threat to you: [182] Since Phoebus Apollo deprives me of the daughter of Chryse>s, [183] her I will send back with my ship and my comrades. [184] I'll send her, but I am taking the fine-cheeked daughter of Briseus, [185] your prize [geras], going in person to your tent, so that you know well [186] how much I am superior to you, and any other man may shrink [187] to speak as my equal and liken himself to me face to face." [188] So he spoke. Anguish [akhos] came over the son Peleus, and his heart within [189] his shaggy breast was divided [190] whether he should draw his sharp sword from alongside his thigh, [191] make the rest scatter and slay the son of Atreus [192] or whether he should check his fury [kholos] and restrain his heart [thumos]. [193] While he was pondering in his mind [phre>n] and heart [thumos], [194] and he was drawing the great sword from its scabbard, Athena came [195] from the sky. For the white-armed goddess Hera sent her forth, [196] loving and caring [ke>dos] for them both alike in her heart [thumos]. [197] She stood behind him, and grabbed the son of Peleus by his golden hair, [198] appearing only to him. None of the others saw her. [199] Achilles was amazed, turned around, and immediately recognized [200] Pallas Athena. Terrible was the shining of her eyes. [201] He spoke out and addressed to her winged words [epos] [202] "Why have you come this time, child of aegis-shaking Zeus? [203] To see the outrage [hubris] done by Agamemnon, son of Atreus? [204] But I will speak out to you, and I think this will be fulfilled [telos]. [205] By his own acts of outrage, sometime soon he might lose his life [thumos]." [206] Now the owl-radiant goddess Athena addressed him, [207] "I came to stop your rage [menos], if you will be persuaded, [208] down from the sky. For the white-armed goddess Hera sent me forth [209] loving and caring [ke>dos] for you both alike in her heart [thumos]. [210] But come, stop clashing [eris] with him, don't draw your sword with your hand; [211] instead, insult him with words [epos], telling him how it will be. [212] Now I, too, will speak out, and it will be a thing fulfilled [telos]. [213] At some point you will have three times as many shining gifts [214] because of this outrage [hubris]. But hold back, and be persuaded by us." [215] Swift-footed Achilles answered and said, [216] "One ought to keep to what you two say [epos], goddess, [217] even when so infuriated [kholos] at heart [thumos]. It is better that way. [218] Whoever is persuaded by the gods, the gods hear him." [219] He spoke, and he stopped his firm hand on the silver handle, [220] thrust the great sword back into the scabbard, and did not disobey [221] the words [muthos] of Athena. But she was gone to Olympus [222] to the home of aegis-shaking Zeus to join the other gods [daimo>n]. [223] The son of Peleus once again with harmful words [epos] [224] addressed the son of Atreus and did not yet cease from fury. [225] "You drunkard, with a dog's eyes and a deer's heart, [226] whenever it comes to arming yourself for war with the rest of the warriors [laos] [227] or going on an ambush with the champions of the Achaeans, [228] you don't have the heart [thumos] for it. That looks like death to you. [229] It's much better throughout the massed expanse of Achaean warriors [230] to take away gifts from anyone who speaks against you. [231] There you are, a king fattening himself on his people, and you are lord over worthless nobodies. [232] This could be the last time, son of Atreus, that you outrage someone. [233] But I will speak out and, more than that, I will swear a great oath: [234] I swear by this scepter--never will leaves and branches [235] sprout from it, now that it has left behind its stump in the mountains, [236] nor will it bloom again. For a bronze ax has stripped it of [237] leaves and bark. But now the sons of the Achaeans [238] carry it in their hands when each offers judgment, and the ordinances [239] from Zeus are kept by them. This will be a great oath. [240] Some day a longing [pothe>] for Achilles will come upon the sons of the Achaeans, [241] all of them together. But at that point [n:reading of Aristarchus, v.l. tois = "them"] you will not be able, even though in great sorrow, [242] to help it [n:v.l. delete "it" if v.l. in 241 is accepted], when many men at the hands of man-slaying Hektor [243] fall dying. And you will tear your heart out inside, [244] angry because you did not honor the best of the Achaeans." [245] So spoke the son of Peleus and he threw the scepter to the ground, [246] the scepter pierced with golden nails, and he himself sat down. [247] Opposite him the son of Atreus raged [me>nis]. Among them Nestor [248] the man of sweet words [epos] sprang up, the clear-voiced [ligus] speaker of the Pylians, [249] from whose tongue the voice flowed sweeter than honey. [250] In his lifetime already two generations of mortal men [251] had perished, those who were raised and born with him before [252] in holy Pylos, and he lorded over the third one. [253] With good intentions towards all he addressed the assembly and spoke among them [254] "What?! I see a great anguish [penthos] coming over the Achaean land. [255] I can just see Priam and the sons of Priam rejoicing [256] and the others Trojans being greatly pleased in their hearts [thumos] [257] if they found out about you two fighting over all these things -- [258] you who excel among the Danaans in planning and fighting. [259] But be persuaded. You two are both younger than I am. [260] In the past with even better men than you [n: v.l. us] [261] I kept company, and those men, at least, never slighted me. [262] I never saw such men, nor am I likely to see [263] men like Perithoos and Dryas, who shepherded the warriors, [264] Kaineus and Exadios and Polyphemos, a match for the gods, [265] and Theseus son of Aegeus, who looked like the immortals. [n: bracketed in most texts] [266] Most powerful [kratos] were those of men raised on earth, [267] most powerful [kratos] they were and they fought with the most powerful [kratos], [268] with mountain-dwelling beasts, and it was shocking the way they destroyed them. [269] I went from Pylos and joined their throng [270] from faraway, coming from a distant land; they called for me. [271] And I fought on my own, single-handed. Against those beasts no one [272] of mortals now raised on earth would fight. [273] The warriors heeded my counsels and were persuaded by my words [muthos]. [274] So you, too, be persuaded -- it's better to be persuaded. [275] But you, valiant though you are, don't you go taking the girl away from this man, [276] let her be, as a prize [geras] the way the sons of the Achaeans first gave her to him, [277] and you, son of Peleus, don't wish to clash [eris] with a king [278] with matching might, since never is there the same share of honor allotted [279] to a scepter-bearing king, to whom Zeus grants [n:augment] radiant glory [kudos]. [280] If you are powerful [kratos], a goddess mother bore you; [281] but he is superior, since he lords over more. [282] But you, son of Atreus, put a stop to your rage [menos] -- I [283] supplicate you to let go of your fury [kholos] at Achilles, who for all [284] the Achaeans is a great wall against evil war." [285] The ruler Agamemnon answered him and said, [286] "Of course, as far as all of that goes, old man, you have spoken [n:augment] in good measure [moira]. [287] But this man wants to be above everyone, [288] he wants to be powerful over everyone, he wants to be lord over everyone, [289] he wants to give orders [se>ma] to everyone, which I don't think anyone will be persuaded to obey. [290] If the gods who are forever made him a spearman, [291] does that mean they give him permission to utter [muthos] insults at us?" [292] Radiant Achilles took his turn and answered him, [293] "I would certainly be called a coward and a worthless nobody [294] if I yield to you and do everything you say. [295] Give these commands to others, not to me, [296] don't give me orders; I don't think I will be persuaded to obey you any longer. [297] I'll tell you something else, and you put it in your mind [phre>n]. [n:=I-4.39, I-5.259, I-9.611, I-16.444, I-16.851, I-21.94] [298] I, at least, will not fight you with the force of my hands for the girl, [299] neither you nor anyone else, now that you all who gave her have taken her away from me. [n:v.l. since you want to take her away, Zen.] [300] As for the other things which I have next to my swift black ship, [301] none of it could you pick up and carry off against my will. [302] Just go ahead and try. That way all these people too will find out. [303] Right away your dark blood will spurt around the point of my spear." [304] So the two fought with words [epos] that match might for might, [305] and they both stood up, dissolving the assembly beside the ships of the Achaeans. [306] The son of Peleus heading for the tents and balanced ships [307] set out with the son of Menoitios and his comrades. [308] But the son of Atreus began dragging a swift ship down to the sea, [309] for it he picked out twenty rowers, and in it a hecatomb [310] for the god he placed, and on it the fine-cheeked daughter of Chryse>s [311] he led and seated. Odysseus, who is crafty in many ways, went aboard as leader. [312] Then they went aboard and sailed over the waterways, [313] and the son of Atreus ordered the warriors to purify themselves. [314] Each one purified himself and threw the impurities into the sea; [315] they sacrificed to Apollo perfect hecatombs [316] of bulls and goats along the shore of the rumbling sea. [317] The savor reached the sky swirling around the smoke. [318] So they were busy with these things throughout the mass of warriors. Nor did Agamemnon [319] leave off from the strife [eris] which he had first threatened [n:augment] against Achilles [320] but he addressed Talthybios and Eurybates, [321] the two who were his heralds and alert attendants [therapo>n], [322] "Both of you, go to the tent of Peleus' son Achilles. [323] Seize the fine-cheeked daughter of Briseus by the hand and bring her here. [324] If he does not give her, I myself will seize her, [325] and I'll come with more men. That will be even more chilling for him." [326] So he spoke and sent them forth, setting in motion his overpowering words [muthos]. [327] The two of them went unwillingly along the shore of the rumbling sea, [328] and the two of them came to the tents and ships of the Myrmidons. [329] They found him beside his tent and black ship, [330] sitting there. You could tell that Achilles was not happy to see the two of them. [331] The two were afraid and in awe [aido>s] of the king, [332] and they stood there. They did not speak out to him at all nor ask any questions. [333] But he understood in his heart [phre>n] and spoke out, [334] "Welcome [kharis] to you, heralds, mediators sacred to Zeus and men [n: genitive conveys idea of protection, Odyssey parallel], [335] come closer: you are not at all responsible [aitios] in my eyes, but Agamemnon is, [336] who sent you two forth for the daughter of Briseus. [337] But come, Patroklos descended from Zeus, bring the girl out [338] and give her to these two to take away. Let the two of them themselves be eyewitnesses [339] in the sight of the blessed gods and mortal men [340] and in the sight of that aloof king, if ever again [341] there is a need for me to ward off hideous devastation [342] for the others: I swear, he is raging with his destructive mind [phre>n] [343] and he doesn't at all know how to take note of what comes before and what comes after [344] so that the Achaeans fight in safety beside the ships." [345] So he spoke, and Patroklos was persuaded to obey his dear [philos] comrade. [346] He led out from the tent the fine-cheeked daughter of Briseus, [347] and he gave her to them to lead away. The two of them went back beside the ships of the Achaeans. [348] The woman went together with them against her will. And then Achilles, [349] weeping, at once withdrew far from his comrades and sat [350] on the shore of the gray sea, looking out upon the boundless [n:v.l. that reflects like wine] expanse [pontos]. [351] He prayed intensely to his dear [phile>] mother raising up his hands. [352] "Mother, since you bore me, although for only a short life, [353] the Olympian ought to secure me honor [time>], [354] Zeus who thunders on high. But now he has honored [n:augment] me not even a little. [355] I swear, the son Atreus, wide ruling Agamemnon [356] has dishonored [n:augment] me. For he seized my prize [geras] and keeps her, having taken her away himself." [n:=I-1.507, I-2.240] [357] So he spoke, shedding tears, and his revered mother heard him [358] sitting in the depths of the sea beside the old man, her father. [359] Quickly she emerged from the gray sea like a mist [360] and she sat before him as he shed tears, [361] and she caressed him with her hand, and spoke a word [epos] and called out his name, [362] "Child, why do you lament? What sorrow [penthos] has come upon your heart [phre>n]? [363] Speak out, don't hide it in your mind [noos], so that we may both know." [364] Groaning deeply swift-footed Achilles addressed her, [365] "You know. Why should I tell you when you know all these things? [366] We went to Thebe, the sacred city [polis] of Eetion; [367] we utterly ravaged it and we brought everything here. [368] The sons of the Achaeans properly divided everything else among themselves [369] but they picked out for the son of Atreus the fine-cheeked daughter of Chryse>s. [370] But then Chryse>s, the priest [hiereus] of far-shooting Apollo [371] came to the swift ships of the bronze-wearing Achaeans [372] to get his daughter's release, bringing with him a ransom [apoina] beyond telling, [n:=I-1.13] [373] holding in his hands the suppliant wreaths of far-shooting Apollo [n:=I-1.14] [374] wound around a golden scepter, and he supplicated all the Achaeans, [n:=I-1.15] [375] but most of all the two sons of Atreus, who marshal the warriors. [n:=I-1.16] [376] At this point all the other Achaeans voiced their assent [n:=I-1.22] [377] to show respect [aido>s] to the priest [hiereus] and to accept the splendid ransom; [n:=I-1.23] [378] but this was not pleasing to the son of Atreus, Agamemnon, in his heart [thumos]. [n:=I-1.24] [379] Instead, dismissing him -- a bad thing to do -- he set in motion overpowering words [muthos]. [n:=I-1.25] [380] The old man went back angry, and him Apollo [381] heard praying, since he was very dear [philos] to him. [382] Apollo let loose an evil arrow at the Argives. And the warriors [383] were dying one after the other. The arrows of the god went after them [384] everywhere throughout the massed expanse of Achaean warriors. To us the seer [mantis] [385] who understands them well announced in assembly the divine signs of the far-shooter. [386] Immediately I was the first to bid them to appease the god. [387] But then fury [kholos] seized the son of Atreus, and right away he stood up [388] and spoke threatening words [muthos], and, now I see, they have come to fulfillment [telos]. [n: Bakker's explanation that de> is when the speaker sees something for the first time] [389] For now the one girl the Achaeans with the dancing eyes with a swift ship [390] are escorting to Chryse>, and they are bringing gifts to the lord [Apollo]. [391] The other girl just now heralds went and led from the tent, [392] the daughter of Briseus, the one the sons of the Achaeans gave me. [393] But you, if you have the power, stand by a worthy child [n:v.l. your child]. [394] Go to Olympus and supplicate Zeus, if ever at any time [395] you enriched the heart of Zeus either by word [epos] or also by deed. [396] For many times in the halls of my father I heard you [397] making a solemn statement; you said about the dark-clouded son of Kronos [398] that you alone among the immortals warded off hideous devastation for him [399] when the other Olympians wanted to bind him, [400] Hera and also Poseidon and Pallas Athena [n:v.l. Phoebus Apollo]. [401] But you, goddess, in this instance went and released him from the bonds; [402] quickly you summoned the hundred-hander to tall Olympus. [403] The gods call him "Briareos," but all men [404] say "Aigaion" -- in his own right he is better in might [bie>] than his father -- [n:v.l. the one who is by far the best in might [bie>] among all those who inhabit dank Tartaros below] [405] and he sat at the side of the son of Kronos glorying in his radiance [kudos: note Aigaio>n and kudei gaio>n]. [406] At the sight of him the blessed gods froze with fear and stopped binding him [n: rhyming hupedeisan and oud' et ede>san]. [407] Now is the time to remind him of these things: sit at his side and take hold of his knees, [408] to ask if in any way he would be willing to give aid to the Trojans [409] and to hem in the Achaeans along the sterns, up against the sea. [410] As they are being killed, then they will enjoy the benefits of their king, [411] and even the son of Atreus wide ruling Agamemnon will recognize [412] his own derangement [ate>], in that in no way has [n:augment] he honored the best of the Achaeans." [n:cf. I-1.244] [413] Then Thetis answered him shedding a tear, [414] "Oh my child, what woes I have had in raising you since the moment I bore you. [415] If only you were beside the ships without tears and without pain, [416] sitting there, since the measure of your lifetime [aisa] is very short, not at all long. [417] But as it is now a swift death and misery beyond all others [418] has come to be your fate. That is why I say your measure of life was wretched from the moment I bore you in the halls. [419] In order to say this word [epos] on your behalf to Zeus who delights in thunder [420] I myself will go to snowy Olympus to see if he will be persuaded. [421] But, you now, sit beside the swift traversing ships [422] and continue your anger [me>nis] at the Achaeans, and cease from war entirely. [423] Zeus went to Okeanos among the faultless Aithiopians, [424] he went yesterday for a feast, and all the gods accompanied him. [425] On the twelfth day he will come back to Olympus, [426] and then at that time, I will go to the bronze-paved house of Zeus, [427] and I will take hold of his knees, and I think he will be persuaded to obey." [428] So she spoke and went away. She left him there, [429] furious in his heart [thumos] over the woman with the beautiful waist, [430] the one whom they took away by force [bie>] against his will. Meanwhile Odysseus [431] arrived at Chryse> bringing the sacred hecatomb. [432] When they arrived inside the very deep harbor, [433] they took down the sails and placed them in the black ship; [434] lowering the mast with the ropes, they made it lie flat against the deck [435] and they were quick about it; then they rowed the ship with the oars to the anchoring place. [436] They threw overboard the anchor-stones, and they tied down the stern cables. [437] They got out where the waves of the sea break, [438] and they moved out the hecatomb for far-shooting Apollo. [439] Then the daughter of Chryse>s got out of the ship that traverses the sea. [440] Next, leading her to the sacrificial altar, Odysseus who is crafty in many ways [441] placed her in her dear father's hands and addressed him. [442] "Chryse>s, I have been sent by lord of men Agamemnon [443] to lead your child back to you, and as for Apollo, to perform for him a sacred hecatomb, [444] performing it on behalf of the Danaans, in order that we may appease the lord Apollo [n:v.l. Aristarchus athetized 444], [445] who has now let fly [n:augment] at the Argives cares [ke>dos] that bring many laments." [446] So he spoke and placed her in his hands, and Chryse>s received with pleasure [kharis] [447] his dear child. Quickly the famous [n: v.l. sacred] hecatomb for the god [n: v.l. 446-447 So he spoke. Quickly the sacred hecatomb for the god, Zen.] [448] was set up in due order around the well-built sacrificial altar. [449] Next they washed their hands and they took up handfuls of barley for sprinkling, [450] while Chryse>s lifted up his hands and prayed aloud on their behalf. [451] "Hear me, you with the silver bow, you who stand over Chryse> [n:=I-1.37] [452] and holy Killa and lord over Tenedos with might, [n:=I-1.38] [453] You have [n:augment] already heard me once before when I prayed [n:v.l. via scholia I-18.75, cf. 16.236 and 14.234]. [454] You honored [time>] me, and you greatly harmed the warriors of the Achaeans. [455] So also now bring to fulfillment this wish for me: [n:cf. I-1.41, =16.238] [456] ward off this hideous devastation for the Danaans." [457] So he spoke praying, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. [n:=I-1.43] [458] Then when they had prayed and sprinkled handfuls of barley [n: on the sacrificial cattle], [459] they drew back the heads and cut the throats and skinned them. [460] They cut out the thigh-bones and covered them with fat, [461] placing the fat over and under, and they placed raw meat on top of them. [462] The old man was roasting them over the wood, and over them blazing wine [463] was poured. The young men beside him held five-pronged forks in their hands. [464] Then when the thigh-pieces were burnt up and they had shared the entrails, [465] they chopped the rest of the meat and pierced it with spits, [466] and they roasted it with care and drew everything off the spits. [467] Then when they finished the work [ponos] and had made the feast, [468] they feasted, and not a soul [thumos] lacked his fair share. [469] Then when they had put away the desire for drink and food, [470] the young men topped off the mixing bowls with drink, [471] they handed out cups to everyone and made the first offerings with them. [472] All day long they kept trying to appease the god with song and dance, [473] the young men of the Achaeans, singing a fine healing-song, [474] singing and dancing for the one who works from afar [=Apollo]. He was delighted in his heart [phre>n] when he heard it. [475] When the sun set and darkness came on, [476] at that point they bedded down alongside the stern cables of the ship. [477] When Eo>s born at daybreak with her rosy steps appeared, [478] then at that point they put to sea heading for the massed expanse of Achaean warriors. [479] Apollo who works from afar sent them a wind that went their way. [480] They raised the mast and spread the sails. [481] The wind blew into the middle of the sail, and the wave around [482] the prow surged and resounded loudly as the ship went. [483] The ship was running along the wave as it made its way. [484] When they reached the massed expanse of Achaean warriors, [485] they dragged the black ship onto the shore [486] up high on the sand, and underneath it they stretched out long supports. [487] Then they themselves dispersed among the tents and ships. [488] But he continued to be angry [me>nis] sitting beside the swift-traversing ships, [489] the son of Peleus, swift-footed Achilles, descended from Zeus. [490] Not one time did he make his way to the assembly that confers glory [kudos], [491] not one time did he go to war, but he continually wasted away his dear [philos] heart [492] waiting there, and he longed for the battle-cry and war. [493] But when the twelfth dawn from that one arose [494] at that point the gods who are forever went to Olympus, [495] all of them together, and Zeus led the way. Thetis did not forget the requests [496] of her son. But she emerged from a wave of the sea [497] and in a mist went up to the great sky and Olympus. [498] She found the far-seeing son of Kronos sitting apart from the others [499] on the highest peak of Olympus with many ridges. [500] There she was, seated in front of him, and she took hold of his knees [501] with her left hand, and with her right she grasped him by the chin. [502] Supplicating him, she addressed lord Zeus, son of Kronos. [503] "Father Zeus, if ever among the immortals I helped you [504] either in word [epos] or in deed, bring to fulfillment this wish for me. [505] Honor [time>] my son, the most swift to meet his fate beyond all others [506] who exist. But him now the lord of men Agamemnon [507] has dishonored [n:augment]. For he seized his prize [geras] and keeps her, having taken her away himself. [n:=I-1.356, I-2.240] [508] But you, Olympian Zeus the deviser [me>tis], honor him. [509] Place power [kratos] on the Trojan side until the time when the Achaeans [510] may honor my son and magnify him with honor [time>]." [511] So she spoke. The cloud-gatherer Zeus did not address her at all, [512] but sat in silence for a long time. Thetis, as she had grasped his knees, [513] so clinging she kept on holding them, and she asked a second time: [514] "Make me a promise that will not miss the mark and nod in assent, [515] or refuse, since you have no reason to hesitate, so that I may know well [516] how much I am the most dishonored god among all." [517] Greatly troubled, the cloud-gatherer Zeus addressed her, [518] "These will be devastating actions, and you will push me to be enemies [519] with Hera [n:Aristarchus has Hera in the nominative; check further], and she will provoke me with insulting words. [520] Even as it is, among the immortal gods she without end [521] quarrels with me, and she says that I protect the Trojans in battle. [522] But you, now, go back again, and make sure you aren't [n: v.l. nothing is Ar.] noticed by -- [523] Hera. These matters will be my concern, until I bring them to fulfillment [telos]. [524] All right, then, I will nod in assent with my head to make you confident. [525] For this from me among the immortals is the greatest [526] final sign. For my assent is not revocable nor deceitful [527] nor unfulfilled, whatever I nod with my head in assent to." [528] So spoke the son of Kronos, and with his dark eyebrows he nodded in assent. [529] Ambrosial locks cascaded from the lord's [530] immortal head. And he made great Olympus shake. [531] So the two of them [Zeus and Thetis] made their plans and parted company. She then [532] dove back into the deep sea from gleaming Olympus, [533] while Zeus headed back to his home. All the gods stood up at once [534] from their seats before their father. Nor did any of them dare [535] to stay seated when he came, but they all stood before him. [536] So he sat down there on his chair. And him Hera [537] did not fail to perceive. She saw that he had made plans with [538] silver-stepping Thetis, the daughter of the old man of the sea. [539] Immediately she addressed Zeus, son of Kronos, with taunting words: [540] "Who of the gods made plans with you this time, devious deviser? [541] It is endlessly dear to you when you are apart from me [542] to think up secret plans and decide on them. Never yet to me [543] have you readily dared to speak whatever word [epos] you think." [544] Then the father of men and gods answered her, [545] "Hera, when it comes to my pronouncements [muthos], don't expect [546] to know them all. Even though you are my wife, it will be hard for you. [547] Whichever one of my pronouncements is suitable for you to hear, not one [548] of the gods or mortals will know it before you. [549] But whichever of them I choose to devise [noos] apart from the gods, [550] don't you ask and inquire about any one of these things." [551] Then revered, ox-radiant Hera answered him, [552] "Most terrible son of Kronos, what sort of words [muthos] have you spoken [n:augment]? [553] Too often before I haven't asked or inquired, [554] but all too undisturbed you devise whatever you want. [555] Now I fear terribly in my mind [phre>n] that she beguiles you, [556] silver-stepping Thetis, daughter of the old man of the sea. [557] In a mist she was seated beside you and took hold of your knees. [558] I think you nodded in true assent to her that Achilles [559] you will honor and you will cause the destruction of many at the ships of the Achaeans." [560] The cloud-gatherer Zeus answered and addressed her, [n:v.l. Venetus A: Greatly troubled, the cloud-gatherer Zeus addressed her, =I-1.517] [561] "What possesses you [daimo>nie>]? You are always assuming, and nothing I do escapes you. [562] In any case you won't be able to accomplish a thing, but more distant [563] you will be from my heart [thumos]. That will be even more chilling for you. [n:cf. I-1.325] [564] If this is the way it is, it must be what gives me pleasure [philos]. [565] So, sit down and be quiet, and be persuaded to obey my words [muthos]. [566] All the gods there are in Olympus won't help you [567] when I come near [n:v.l. when you all come near], whenever I lay my terrifying hands upon you." [needs note that explains that the word means 'taboo' or 'unspeakable', but also connotes violence] [568] So he spoke, and revered, ox-radiant Hera was frightened [n:cf I-1.33]. [569] She sat down and was quiet, bending her dear [philos] heart. [570] Throughout the home of Zeus the Olympian gods were troubled. [571] Among them, Hephaistos famed for his skill began to speak in assembly [572] bearing goodwill to his dear [philos] mother, white-armed Hera. [573] "Certainly these will be devastating actions, no longer endurable, [574] if you two clash in this way because of mortals, [575] setting off an uproar among the gods. Then in the noble feast [576] there will be no pleasure taken, since what is low wins. [577] I encourage my mother, even though she knows [noos] this already, [578] to bear goodwill to dear [philos] father Zeus, so that he doesn't once again [579] start a quarrel and disrupt the feast for all of us. [580] If in fact the Olympian who hurls the thunderbolt wants [581] to knock us from our seats -- well, he is by far superior to all. [582] But [n:resumptive alla'] you, check him with soft words. [583] Immediately then, we will appease the Olympian." [584] So he spoke, and leaping up he took a two-handled cup [585] and placed it in the hand of his dear mother, and addressed her. [586] "Be strong, mother, and put up with it even though you care [ke>dos] very much. [587] I don't want to witness with my own eyes you, dear as you are to me, [588] getting hit. At that point I will not be able, even though in great sorrow, [n: cf. I-1.241-242] [589] to help you. For the Olympian is hard to oppose. [590] Already on another occasion when I was eager to defend you, [591] he threw me, grabbing me by the foot, from the divine threshold. [592] I plummeted the whole day and then at sunset [593] I landed on Lemnos, little life [thumos] still left in me. [594] There the Sintian men at once rescued me when I fell." [595] So he spoke, and the goddess white-armed Hera smiled, [596] smiled and accepted the cup from her son with her hand. [597] Then he for all the other gods, going from left to right, [598] poured sweet nectar, serving it up from a mixing bowl. [599] Unquenchable laughter arose among the blessed gods [600] when they saw Hephaistos bustling through the house. [601] So then all day long until the sun set [602] they feasted, and not a soul [thumos] lacked his fair share of the feast, [n:cf.I-1.468] [603] or of the surpassingly beautiful lyre which Apollo was holding, [604] or of the Muses who sang in responsion with beautiful voices. [605] Then when the blazing light of the sun set [606] the rest went each to his own house to lie down, [607] where a house for each the far-famed, lame in both legs, [608] Hephaistos had made with his knowing mind. [609] But Zeus the Olympian who hurls the thunderbolt went to his own bed [610] where he always slept whenever sweet sleep came over him. [611] There he got into it and slept, and Hera of the golden throne was by his side.