Thursday, October 9, 2014

I watched Hektor.  I saw the fear in his eyes then, I saw him run.  He ran and ran with Achilles following close behind.  Then, he stopped. Athene was talking to him but he thought it was his brother, Deiphobos.  It was over so fast, two ill aimed spear throws and Achilles stabbed Hektor in the neck. 

I didn’t even recognize Achilles anymore.  All through the fight he was like a deranged animal.  Even after Hektor was dead, the things Achilles did to the body, unspeakable. 



Zeus sent Iris to me with a message.  The gods were sympathetic to the Trojans need to honor their Hektor and Zeus asked me to convince Achilles to give back the body.  I said to Achilles, “My child, how long will you go on eating your heart out in sorrow and lamentation, and remember neither your food nor going to bed?” [Zeus] is angered that in your heart’s madness you hold Hektor beside the curved ships and did not redeem him.  Come then, give him up and accept ransom for the body.”  Achilles agreed.


When Priam came to Achilles with the help of Hermes, in a chariot filled with treasure, it was uncomfortable, as you might suspect.  I should thank Priam, it was his visit that brought back the Achilles I know.  None of this wil last; Achilles is still fated to die.  It was his choice.  He has his κλεος now and through Achilles or, perhaps, in spite of Achilles, Hektor has his κλεος as well. 



http://jonian.deviantart.com/art/Achilles-dragging-Hektor-151459684
I thought, once the fire consumed Patroklos’ body, Achilles would return to normal, but I was wrong. All this I watched from the sea with my sisters around me.  I watched the games, I watched Troy mourn and I understood, even felt sorry for Priam.  I too was in mourning because I knew Achilles would soon join Hektor.

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