We've reached the end of The Iliad this week and all I can think of is how epic it truly was. It was in equal measure brutal, violent, and mericless, yet full of moments of love, compassion, and courage. Homer captured the essence of each of these heroes (and gods too), in away that forced us to care for them, even when their actions were reprehensible. Even though most people think they are familiar with the story of The Iliad and the Trojan War, the tale doesn't end with the Greek's triumph, but with an act of incredible mercy. Though this isn't the first time I've read The Iliad, I am just as deeply moved as I was the first time through.

Don't forget, next week we're discussing the Epitome from The Library of Greek Mythology, before we get started on The Aeneid. The translation guide for The Aeneid is pinned to the top of the sub.

Summaries of both books are below, and as always, questions are in the comments.

Book 23

Achilles and his men arrive back at camp and begin mourning Patroclus. That evening, Achilles is visited by Patroclus's shade (ghost) whe tells him to get the funeral rites underway so he can cross the River stix into the underworld. Patroclus's shade also tells Achilles that he will die shortly too and asks that their bones be interred together. The next morning Achilles begins the funual rites, including building a 100 - foot, long pyre, and slaughtering a dozen Trojan captives as well as several horses and dozens of other animals. The Myrmidons all shave some of their hair to offer pieces of themselves to accompany Patroclus into the after life. Achilles, knowing he will never see his homeland, shaves all his hair of and places it in Patroclus's hands. When the funeral pyre doesn't light, Achilles prays to the North & West winds for help.

The next day, Patroclus's bones are taken from the ashes and interred in a gold urn. Achilles and the Acheans then honour Patroclus by competing in several events, like Chariot racing, wrestling, and hand-to-hand combat, for a share of Patroclus's war spoils.

Book 24

After watching Achilles degrade Hector's corpse for 12 days, Apollo pleads for the gods to intervene. Athena, Hera, and Poseidon all stand together against the other gods, until Zeus steps into top the madness. Zeus summons Thetis to have her tell Achilles to give Hector's body back to priam in exchange for a substantial ransom. Priam gathers his offering and is escorted to Achilles by Hermes.

After some additional tears and mourning by both Achilles and Priam, Achilles accepts the ransom and has Hector's body loaded into Priam's cart. They eat and Priam sleeps for the first time since Hector's death. Achilles agrees to suspend the war for 11 days to allow Priam to grieve.

Hector is properly honoured, mourned, and laid to rest.