Chapter Twenty-Six

Summary

• The chapter begins with two men hyperidentified as Talthybius and Eurybates approaching. They are the chief messengers of Agamemnon, known for being discreet and close to the king's ear.
• Achilles reacts with cold bitterness as these men come to take custody of the girl, Briseis. The narrator is revealed to be sending off Briseis and is filled with anger.
• Despite being treated roughly by the messengers, Briseis goes willingly. The messengers leave and the narrator is filled with further anger for him not stopping them.
• The narrator takes it upon himself to protect Briseis and confronts Agamemnon. The guards are initially surprised but don't react with aggression.
• The narrator sees Briseis bound and corners Agamemnon. He slashes his own wrist, letting his blood soaking the ground to swear the truthfulness of his claim.
• Agamemnon, who is depicted as superstitious, is taken aback and asks the narrator to speak his news. The narrator warns him of his violation of Briseis, a violation against Achilles' honor. He stresses that it could potentially lead to Agamemnon's downfall.
• Following his claim, the narrator implies that those with power within Agamemnon's council might have withheld information for their own gain. The talk leaves Agamemnon pondering on the potential danger ahead.
• Agamemnon accepts the truthfulness of the narrator's words, viewing it as a betrayal of Achilles. An affirmation of the betrayal elicits joy, as Agamemnon gleefully anticipates the pain it will cause to Achilles.
• After leaving Agamemnon's tent, the narrator encounters Achilles who questions his bleeding wrist. A subsequent conversation reveals the narrator's actions of warning Agamemnon, leading to a tense conversation about loyalty, honor, and pride.
• Achilles reacts with defeat upon knowing Briseis is safe, giving the narrator a slight sense of hope.
• Achilles, however, says that the narrator does not yet know the entirety of the situation, leaving the chapter on an uncertain note.