In a sense, Achilles rejoins the ranks of the Achaians, and Agamemnon once again becomes the undisputed leader of the Greek forces. The reconciliation between Agamemnon and Achilles brings closure to the incident that began the Iliad. The book is made up of two main sections: the reconciliation between Agamemnon and Achilles, and Achilles' preparation for battle. The reconciliation that ends the first wrath of Achilles and the actions that initiate the second both occur in Book XIX. No longer concerned with such human "trivialities" as eating or resting, Achilles is transformed into a kind of cosmic figure, an archetypal hero sweeping through all opposition, divine and human, to achieve his ends. Now that he is finally reconciled with Agamemnon, his passion to avenge Patroklos becomes as intense and impatient as was his former, selfish desire for the satisfaction of his honor. Throughout the Iliad, Achilles has been a creature of extremes - a man of absolute feelings and absolute reactions. With this, Achilles shouts his mighty war cry and gallops into battle. Achilles answers that he already knows about his doom, but that nothing will prevent him from avenging Patroklos. The horse then prophesies the eventual death of Achilles on the battlefield. One of the horses answers, saying that Patroklos' death was not their fault, but that it was caused by Apollo and Destiny.
But first, he reproaches his horses for allowing Patroklos to be killed. When the Achaian troops are once more ready to fight, Achilles puts on his splendid new armor, and then, mounting his chariot, he prepares to lead the army. He announces that the troops may eat if they wish, but he himself is going to fast until Patroklos is avenged.
Odysseus sympathizes with Achilles' zeal, but he points out that the troops are tired and hungry and that they need some time to renew themselves before fighting again. He demands that the army go into action at once. He states that in compensation to Achilles, he will return Briseis to him, as well as shower upon him many other presents.Īchilles accepts the offer, but clearly he is more eager to attack the Trojans than he is to collect gifts. He says that at the time of their disagreement, he had been blinded and robbed of his wits by Zeus. Agamemnon rises and welcomes Achilles back to the army. This speech is applauded with great joy by all the troops. Then he announces that his quarrel with King Agamemnon is ended and that he is ready to return to war. After receiving his new armor, Achilles calls for an assembly of the Achaian army.
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