The Aristeia of Achilleus

        I have to give Hektor respect; beg as they might, his family's desperate cries could not get him inside the walls of Troy. He was the only barrier left between his people and their destruction. Like a true champion, he faced the terrible Achilleus, even though he probably knew he was doomed to lose. Achilleus' godly fury was palatable, so much so that Hektor's courage failed him. The gods must have been humiliated for him as ran for his life three times around the walls of the city, as Achilleus chased him like a hunter pursuing a rabbit. His brother, Deiphobos, suddenly appeared, giving him the courage to stand and face his pursuer. After asking for an agreement regarding respectful treatment of each other's body, which Achilleus refused, he threw his spear, only striking the shield. Turning to his brother for another, Deiphobos vanished...the gods must have been playing games with his life. He was now left defenseless. Achilleus' first throw is retrieved by a god and the second found its mark in a break between Achilleus' old armor that Hektor now wore. Will the killing of Hektor quench Achilleus' anger? Knowing the depths of his wrath myself all too well, I doubt it. 

Achilleus fights the Trojans
Pottery - National Archaeological Museum, Florence
www.flickr.com

        Achilleus came to my encampment, bloody from battle, demanding a burning pyre for Patroklos. The next day I ordered my men to gather timbers and build a huge grave mound along the beach. They brought the body to the pyre and threw locks of their hair upon it. Achilleus asked me to disperse the people so those closed to Patroklos could have some privacy to mourn, so I told the Achaians to leave and the mourners made their sacrifices, and additional sacrifices were made in order to light the pyre. Achilleus threatened to feed Hektor to the dogs, but the gods must have been protecting him still, as, no matter how hard Achilleus and his men tried, the body remained pristine and unmolested. After the bones were buried, Achilleus sponsored games, with many wonderful prizes, all in Patroklos' honor. It was a very cathartic experience for all.

Achilles Displaying the Body of Hector before Priam and the Body of Patroclus
Early 19th century - Unidentified artist, French, 19th century - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
http://centuriespast.tumblr.com/post/1043810375/achilles-displaying-the-body-of-hector-before

        The only way old Priam could have made it into the Achaian camp alive to beg for his son was through the help of the gods. There he encountered the Myrmidon, Argeiphontes, who told the old man, "Aged sir, neither have any dogs eaten him [Hektor], nor have the birds, but he lies yet beside the ship of Achilleus at the shelters, and as he was; now here is the twelfth dawn he has lain there, nor does his flesh decay, nor do worms feed on him, they who devour men who have fallen in battle. It is true, Achilleus drags him at random around his beloved companion's tomb, as dawn on dawn appears, yet he cannot mutilate him; you yourself can see when you go there how fresh with dew he lies, and the blood is all washed from him nor is there any corruption, and all the wounds have been closed up where he was struck, since many drove the bronze in his body. So it is that the blessed immortals care for your son, though he is nothing but a dead man; because in their hearts they loved him."

Achilleus' rage remains unquenched 

Hector Exposed on the Banks of the Xanthus River, Jean-Baptiste Deshays (1729-1765)

http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/Hector-of-Troy

        I learned from my experience with Chryses that it is better to return the child of one who so earnestly supplicates for their release; the gods favor the compassionate. If I would have accepted the ransom for Chryseis at once, it would have prevented the death of many of my people from plague, the grounding of our ships, and risking my own daughters life. I like to think that Achilleus learned from my mistake, accepting Priam's appeal for his son's body; it is good that he has allowed the Trojans to grieve for and honor their own hero. 

Priam pleads Achilleus for the body of his son, Hektor
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