Chapter Twenty-One

Summary

• The chapter depicts the traditional Greek custom of the distribution of war spoils after a raid. Every soldier can keep what they won in the battles but the larger items like carpets and vases were gathered and distributed according to one's position in the army. Although Achilles was known to be the best soldier, Agamemnon gave himself the priority during division.
• A beautiful girl, who has faced considerable abuse, is placed in the distribution pile as a bed slave. The interpretation of the event that hints to the soldiers that they are now allowed to take women as their bed slaves in their tents.
• The protagonist, Patroclus, convinces Achilles to take this girl as his war-prize before Agamemnon can claim her. Gaining approval, they take the girl back to their camp.
• Back at their camp, Achilles ominously draws his knife near the girl, but Patroclus convinces him to give the knife to him instead. Patroclus reassures and releases the girl of her bonds. The girl is then shocked when Patroclus kisses Achilles, letting her know that she is safe from being used.
• The girl ends up in a tent, provisioned with clothes, food, and water where she is allowed to stay. The protagonist takes care of her wounds and comforts her. The girl's name is revealed to be Briseis.
• Over time, Patroclus and Briseis form a bond with each other. Briseis starts to communicate in the little home-grown Greek she knows.
• Despite all this, the raids continue and the war has yet to begin. Other women are also brought into the campsite as slaves, and Patroclus is tasked with comforting and speaking to them. Nonetheless, the narrative points out that some things, like the girl's experiences watching Achilles ruthlessly kill their family and friends, can not be accepted or forgotten.