Chapter Twenty-Eight

Summary

• In this chapter, Phoinix brings news of a duel between Paris and Menelaus, with Helen as the wager. Despite seeming an easy target, Paris proves swift and manages to get away when his helmet comes loose in Menelaus's grasp. An arrow, fired from the Trojan side, then hits Menelaus, causing the Greeks to attack.
• Subsequently, Hector offers another duel to right the wrongs. Menelaus is keen to compete again, but Agamemnon prevents him. Ajax is then chosen to fight Hector, resulting in a stalemate and a temporary peace.
• Achilles, despite not having participated, is excited by the day's events, even longing for his own chance to kill, specifically Hector.
• The next morning, the Trojans are joined by the Lycians, backed by their leader, Sarpedon. Sarpedon and Hector lead their troops in and fight the Greeks, causing considerable damage to their ranks and injuring many, including Idomeneus.
• Later, Phoinix, Odysseus, and Ajax approach Achilles, pleading with him to join the fight for the Greeks. Odysseus recounts a list of Greek dead and reveals that the Trojans are close to the Greek wall, but Achilles remains steadfast in his refusal, insisting Agamemnon must return what he has wronged him before he will fight.
• Phoinix then recounts a story of Meleager, who refused to fight for his city due to an insult, only to eventually relent and save his people after his wife begged him to — but too late to avoid his people's resentment.
• A following conversation between Achilles and Briseis reveals increasing tension in the Greek camp, with men blaming Achilles for their losses and growing threats from the Trojans. Briseis suggests she will surrender to Aeneas if the camp is taken and asks Patroclus to do the same to ensure his safety.
• The chapter ends with Patroclus lying in bed with Achilles, contemplating the complexities of their situation and the grievous consequences awaiting them.