The Achaeans advanced to the ramparts while Trojans rested, having fled into the city.
Hektor remained outside the Skaian Gates due to his impending doom.
Apollo confronted Achilles for chasing an immortal, accusing him of neglecting the Trojans inside the city.
Achilles retorted that Apollo diverted him, preventing further Trojan deaths, and vowed revenge if possible.
Achilles, likened to a chariot horse, rushed towards the city.
Priam spotted Achilles, comparing his gleam to the Dog of Orion, a star signaling trouble, and warned Hektor of Achilles' superior strength and pitiless nature.
Priam lamented the loss of his sons and the potential consequences of Hektor's death, including his own demise and the suffering of Troy.
He detailed potential horrors: sons killed, daughters captured, infants murdered, and his own body desecrated.
Hektor's mother, Hekabe, implored him to retreat, displaying her breast and reminding him of her nurturing.
She envisioned his unmourned death and his body devoured by dogs.
Hektor's Decision and the Flight
Hektor, likened to a snake guarding its lair, stood firm despite the pleas.
He considered retreating but feared reproach from Poulydamas, recognizing his recklessness had endangered his people.
Hektor contemplated offering Helen and Troy's treasures to Achilles to end the war but dismissed the idea, knowing Achilles would show no mercy.
Hektor resolved to face Achilles in battle, hoping for either victory or a glorious death.
Achilles approached, likened to Enyalios (god of war), with his bronze armor gleaming. Hektor was seized by fear and fled.
Achilles pursued Hektor relentlessly, like a hawk chasing a dove.
They raced past landmarks: the lookout post, the fig tree, the wagon track, and the springs of Skamandros (one warm, one cold), which were formerly used by Trojan women for washing clothes.
The Gods' Debate and Athena's Intervention
The gods watched the chase. Zeus expressed sorrow for Hektor, who had honored him with sacrifices.
Zeus considered saving Hektor but Athena objected, reminding him that Hektor's fate was sealed.
Zeus deferred to Athena, who descended from Olympus to aid Achilles.
Achilles cornered Hektor, preventing him from seeking refuge inside the city walls.
Apollo aided Hektor, granting him speed and strength for a final time.
Achilles signaled his troops not to interfere.
Zeus weighed the fates of Achilles and Hektor on a golden balance, and Hektor's doom was sealed when his side sank toward Hades.
Athena appeared to Achilles, assuring him of victory and promising to trick Hektor into fighting him man-to-man.
Athena, disguised as Deiphobos (Hektor's brother), convinced Hektor to stand and fight alongside her.
The Duel and Hektor's Death
Hektor, believing Athena was Deiphobos, expressed his gratitude for her support.
Athena, still disguised, encouraged Hektor to fight without holding back.
Hektor proposed a pact: the victor would return the loser's body to his people for burial, but Achilles refused, comparing oaths between men and lions.
Achilles declared his intent to kill Hektor and avenge his comrades.
Achilles hurled his spear, but Hektor dodged it. Athena retrieved the spear and returned it to Achilles without Hektor's knowledge.
Hektor boasted that Achilles had missed and would not know his fate, vowing to kill Achilles.
Hektor threw his spear, hitting Achilles' shield, but it bounced back. Hektor called for Deiphobos, realizing he was not there.
Hektor understood his doom was at hand and that Athena had deceived him. He resolved to die fighting valiantly.
Hektor charged at Achilles with his sword, likened to an eagle swooping down on prey.
Achilles aimed for Hektor's throat, the only vulnerable spot in his armor, which he had taken from Patroklos.
Achilles pierced Hektor's neck with his spear, but without severing the windpipe allowing him to speak.
Achilles exulted over Hektor's dying body, predicting his body would be ravaged by dogs and birds, while Patroklos would receive a proper burial.
Hektor pleaded for his body to be returned for burial, but Achilles refused.
Hektor prophesied Achilles' death at the hands of Paris and Apollo.
Hektor died, his soul departing for Hades. Achilles continued to taunt the corpse.
The Aftermath and Lamentation
Achilles stripped Hektor's armor and the other Achaeans stabbed Hektor's corpse, celebrating their victory.
Achilles announced their triumph and declared his intention to desecrate Hektor's body, remembering Patroklos remains unburied.
Achilles pierced Hektor's feet and dragged his body behind his chariot around the city.
Hektor's head was covered in dust, outraging Zeus his mother tore at her hair, and Priam and the citizens mourned.
The city resembled a smoldering ruin.
Priam pleaded to be allowed to go to Achilles and beg for Hektor's body, wishing Hektor had died in his arms.
Hekabe lamented the loss of her son, who was a source of pride and comfort to the city.
Andromache, Hektor's wife, was unaware of his death, preparing a bath for his return.
Hearing the wailing, she rushed to the ramparts and saw Hektor's body being dragged.
She fainted and lamented her fate as a widow and her son Astyanax's future as an orphan and imagined his suffering and mistreatment.
Andromache spoke of Hektor's role as protector of Troy.
She planned to burn Hektor's unused bedclothes as a tribute.