Chapter Eighteen

Summary

• The protagonist wakes up in the middle of a hot, windless night. He notes the unusual stillness and ponders on the delay it would bring for their journey to Troy.
• The wind does not return for over two weeks, causing tension and discomfort amongst the crew. The protagonist and Achilles find solace by spending time in the sea.
• Achilles decides to consult his mother, a goddess, who confirms that the lack of wind is a message from the gods. They relay this information to Agamemnon, the king, but he dismisses them.
• After another month, Agamemnon eventually consults with the chief priest, Calchas, who suggests that they have offended the goddess Artemis and recommends a huge sacrifice.
• Agamemnon arranges a marriage proposal between his daughter, Iphigenia, and Achilles, which Athena accepts. The protagonist acknowledges his jealousy, but decides it is a sensible move.
• On the day of their marriage ceremony, Iphigenia is brutally sacrificed on an altar, shocking and horrifying the crew. After her death, the wind returns, appeasing the crew and confirming that the goddess has been satisfied.
• The protagonist confronts Odysseus, blaming him for the manipulating events and dishonoring Achilles. Odysseus defends his actions, explaining that it was necessary and warns him to remember that Achilles is a killer, not a rescuer.