The Iliad: Book 24 Quiz

The funeral games end, but Achilles continues to be consumed by grief for Patroclus. Flooded with memories, he repeatedly uses his chariot to drag [blank_start]Hector’s body around Patroclus’ tomb[blank_end].

Apollo, pitying Hector, [blank_start]protects his body from harm and decay[blank_end].

The gods feel sorry for Hector and desire to [blank_start]rescue his body from Achilles[blank_end].

They ask the god Hermes to steal the body away, but Hera, bent on shaming the Trojans, will not allow it [blank_start]because of her hate of all Trojans[blank_end]

[blank_start]Twelve days[blank_end] after Hector’s death, Apollo addresses the gods.

Apollo tells the gods that Hector [blank_start]always respected the gods[blank_end], and that Achilles [blank_start]has no decency for desecrating his body[blank_end].

Hera counters him, stating that Achilles is the son of a god, and that he and Hector [blank_start]cannot be equals[blank_end].

Zeus sends Iris to call Thetis to Olympus. When she arrives, Zeus instructs her to go to Achilles and to tell him [blank_start]to give Hector’s body back to Priam[blank_end]. Priam will [blank_start]give Achilles a ransom as payment[blank_end].

Thetis asks Achilles how long he will grieve, and then tells him [blank_start]of Zeus’ decree to release Hector’s body[blank_end]. Achilles agrees, saying that [blank_start]he will not resist the will of the gods[blank_end].

Priam is told that Achilles [blank_start]will not kill him[blank_end].

Priam orders that a wagon be readied with [blank_start]magnificent treasure[blank_end]. Hecuba attempts to convince him that the journey is foolhardy, but Priam is [blank_start]determined to take back Hector’s body[blank_end].

Hecuba asks Priam to pray for a sign from Zeus first, and Priam agrees. Zeus sends [blank_start]an eagle[blank_end] to reassure them. Priam sets out in his wagon, accompanied by his old driver.

Zeus tells Hermes to go to Troy and ensure Priam’s safe travel. Hermes appears to Priam [blank_start]in the form of a stranger[blank_end], saying that Priam reminds him [blank_start]of his father[blank_end]. He offers to help Priam.

Priam grows suspicious and asks whom the stranger is. Hermes replies that he is [blank_start]an aide of Achilles[blank_end], and lets Priam know that [blank_start]Hector’s body is still intact[blank_end].

Hermes guides Priam’s wagon through Achilles’ gate and [blank_start]puts the sentries to sleep[blank_end]. He then reveals to Priam that he is [blank_start]a god sent to help him[blank_end].

Priam enters Achilles’ lodge and [blank_start]kneels, kissing Achilles’ hand[blank_end]. He asks for [blank_start]mercy[blank_end], and beseeches Achilles to [blank_start]remember his own father[blank_end].

Achilles and Priam [blank_start]weep for their losses in the war[blank_end].

Achilles asks Priam to sit but Priam refuses, asking to [blank_start]ransom the body immediately[blank_end].

Achilles asks Priam not to anger him, as he might [blank_start]kill him if his temper flares[blank_end].

Achilles asks Priam to dine with him, reminding him that [blank_start]even the sorrowful must eat[blank_end].

Priam asks for [blank_start]eleven days[blank_end] of truce to mourn and bury Hector, to which Achilles agrees.

Hermes wakes Priam from his sleep, advising him to leave the Achaean camp before [blank_start]he is discovered and killed[blank_end].

Priam returns to Troy and the Trojans see Hector’s body borne on Priam’s wagon. The city is plunged into [blank_start]grief[blank_end]. Andromache, Hecuba, and Helen all cry out in grief for the loss of Hector, praising him for [blank_start]his bravery and kindness[blank_end].

The eleven days of lamentation pass, and Hector is [blank_start]finally buried by the Trojans[blank_end].