Chapter Twenty-Nine

Summary

• The chapter begins with the eruption of a sudden, storm-like conflict marked by thunderous noise and streaks of lightning. The Trojans are attacking Greeks led by Sarpedon and Zeus is assisting them.
• This is the first time in ten years that the Trojans have posed a significant threat, pushing across the plains to the extent that they could potentially break through the Greek wall and burn their ships.
• Achilles is adamant that he will intervene only when Agamemnon begs for his forgiveness or if Hector directly threatens him.
• Achilles and Patroclus witness a significant figure being carried on a stretcher due to their injuries caused in the battle. Patroclus goes to check on who it is.
• Patroclus reaches the wounded and finds out they are Nestor and Machaon. Machaon pleads with Patroclus to convince Achilles to join the battle as many Greek kings are wounded and the wall is about to break.
• Patroclus assists another injured man, Prince Eurypylus, who blames Trojans and Achilles for their situation. He shares that Trojans are close to burning their ships.
• Upon stepping out of the tent, Patroclus witnesses scenes of chaos - ships on fire, desperate men fighting against the invading Trojans. He observes Hector setting ships on fire.
• The Greek warrior Ajax, who was trying to stave off the Trojans, is wounded, adding to the dire situation of Greeks.