Achilles vs. all Trojans (Books 19-21)

Achilles is still mourning the death of his close friend Patroclus. He ended up calling another assembly with the Achaean soldiers about their next fight. Agamemnon gave Achilles the gifts he promised him, along with Briseis. With anger in his heart, Achilles then demanded that they leave for war at once. Odysseus approached Achilles once again about letting the army eat first before fighting. Achilles doesn't care about eating, he just wanted to kill Hector at this point. But lucky for him, Zeus finds his mourning for Patroclus touching, and sends Athena down to fill his stomach with nectar and ambrosia. After feeling full from Athena, Achilles suit up in his armor and got his chariot ready to fight.

Both the Achaeans and Trojans are now preparing for battle, and Zeus decides to hold another meeting with his fellow gods. Zeus basically said that it's okay for the gods to intervene with the war again. However, the gods seemed to be watching instead of helping us. Apollo came down and confronted me, encouraging me to challenge Achilles. So Achilles and I met up on the battlefield, exchanging insults. We began to fight and Achilles was more aggressive than I perceived to be. He came close to stabbing me to death, but Poseidon came and took me away from his grasp.

Hector then began to approach Achilles when he was stopped by Apollo. Apollo warned him to not start a fight with Achilles in front of the ranks, and to wait till Achilles approached him. Hector found it hard to watch his fellow Trojans being slaughtered in front of him by Achilles. So he ended up confronting Achilles early. This doesn't go well like Apollo warned, so Apollo was forced to save him once again.

Achilles' rage and revenge for Patroclus' death stooped to a whole new level. He has no remorse for the death of any Trojans. He was killing so many of my comrades that the river was getting clogged up with all of the dead bodies. This made the river angry, so Achilles promised the river that he wouldn't throw anymore bodies in there as he kills them. But he made a point that he will keep on killing the Trojans as much as he can. The river felt bad for us Trojans, and asked Apollo for help. Achilles overheard the river's plea to Apollo and attacked the river. The river then dragged Achilles all downstream to a floodplain. This almost killed Achilles but the god Hephaestus, sent by Hera, set the plain on fire; causing the river to boil until letting go of Achilles. This caused major commotion amongst the gods. All of them fighting for different lives on the battlefield. Priam saw all of the dead bodies and opened Troy's gates. Agenor, the prince of Troy, then challenged Achilles. Apollo decided to disguise himself as Agenor and kept Agenor in a safe place. So technically Achilles is fighting Apollo during this time. This allowed the Trojans to hurry back to Troy with Achilles distracted.




Achilles kills Hector
Image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Slays_Hector.jpg

The Return of Achilles in Battle (Books 16-18)

I found out that we have a new enemy back in the battle. Achilles decided to rejoin the Achaeans in fighting against us. He received new armor of course, and then called for an assembly amongst the Achaean army. He stated that he no longer is in a quarrel with Agamemnon and is ready to fight. Agamemnon then told Achilles that he will give him compensation for returning to battle. Offering Briseis back, as well as other presents. Achilles accepted this offer, stating that he is ready to go and fight the Trojans. Odysseus pointed out that he and the rest of the troops are tired and hungry; that they won't fight well that way.

Achilles told everyone that they may eat as they wish, but he is going to fast until the war is over. Also, until Patroclus is avenged. With that remark, Achilles put on the new armor, saddled up the horses to the chariot, and got ready to leave. He confronted the horses about Patroclus' death, and a horse responded saying that it wasn't their fault he died. The horse then told Achilles he will die if he goes back into battle. Achilles is very aware of this at this point in the war, and explains to the horse just that. Then Achilles yelled out a war cry and headed to the Trojans.

Meanwhile, the gods were having an assembly of their own, formed by Zeus. Zeus confronts the gods, saying that they may choose whatever side to help, as long as Achilles dies in the end. The gods ended up leaving the assembly and went to help either the Achaeans or our Trojan army. The battle began with great anger and resentment from both sides. This caused a lot of blood to be shed quickly. Achilles ended up coming after me, but Poseidon was there to save my life. Achilles ended up killing many of my comrades with ease. While keeping twelve of them captive. However, with so many people being killed at once, the bodies were floating all over in the river. The god of the river was very upset by this and created big waves to come at Achilles. Poseidon and Athena reassured Achilles that he will get through it. The gods ended up fighting each other at this point, and Achilles continued attacking us.


Image from: http://www.massdataprivacylaw.com/data-breach/our-collective-achilles-heel/
 

Trenches & Opportunity (Books 12-15)

With the war continuing, a big trench was dug, out blocking our Trojan army from reaching the Achaeans. With Polydamas's advice, Hector decided to tell all the Trojans to get off their chariots, and charge through the trench. Just as all the Trojans were about to charge, an eagle flew to the left-hand side of our Trojan line and dropped a snake. Polydamas kept saying this was a sign that our attempt to charge will fail, but Hector refused to listen to that. Glaucus and Sarpedon were the first Trojans to charge through, followed by Hector who crushed a gate with a boulder. This lead the way for the rest of the Trojan army.

Idomeneus from the Achaeans side, came over and killed a few of our soldiers with Meriones. He then taunted Deiphobus, another Trojan. Deiphobus sensed Idomeneus' anger growing towards him and called me, and our other comrades over to help. Meanwhile, Hector is on the opposite side of the battle field and tried to get that side of Trojans together. He ended up finding them dead or badly wounded. Ajax approached and insulted Hector, and another eagle came and appeared on the right side of Ajax. We knew this was a favorable omen for the Achaeans.

The gods were of course still going behind each other's backs with the war. Hera, who favors the Achaeans, decided to trick Aphrodite into giving her an "enchanted breastband," which are the powers of love and longing woven together. After tricking Aphrodite, Hera tricks Zeus by going to the peak of Mount Ida from her sleep. Zeus is disguised as a bird, sees her, they make love, and Zeus falls asleep. Hera then tells Poseidon he has the all clear to help out the Achaeans.

Poseidon regrouped the Achaeans and they charged us Trojans. Many of our soldiers died, and Hector was hit to the ground with a boulder by Ajax. After this, we decide to carry Hector back and flea from the war to the city.

Apollo came to Hector and the rest of our comrades, filling us with strength. Hector then lead a charge at the Achaeans. Apollo joined the field and covered over the trench, allowing us to go through again. We reached the ships and Hector and Ajax once again broke into their own quarrel. We kept advancing in the fight and Hector got far enough to touch a ship.




Hector vs. Ajax
Image from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ajax_and_Hector_exchange_gifts.jpg

The Achaean & Trojan Missions (Books 9-11)

The Achaeans seem to be giving up at this point. It's exciting and relieving to think about this. I heard that Agamemnon was declaring amongst his people that the war was a failure for them, and planned on returning to Greece. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Achilles was offered many gifts from Agamemnon, asking him to return back to the Achaean lines. Odysseus, Ajax and Phoenix were sent to talk to Achilles about this. Achilles immediately rejected this offer and explained that he plans on going back to his home in Phthia to live a long life. Instead of staying and living a short, glorious life. "He cheated me and he did me hurt. Let him of his own will be damned, since Zeus of the counsels has taken his wits away from him," stated Achilles(book 9, lines 375-377).

Agamemnon and Menelaus decided to wake everyone up that night to plan their next move in the war. Nestor mentioned that sending a spy on the Trojans would be a good idea. Diomedes immediately offered to partake in the role of the spy. Odysseus joined him for support and they both armed themselves and set out for the Trojan camp. After beginning their journey, a heron from Athena came to them and they prayed for her protection.

While this is all happening, Hector decided to have Dolon, another Trojan, serve as a scout to see if the Achaeans are trying to escape. On his way to the Achaeans, Dolon encountered Diomedes and Odysseus. They interrogated Dolon about what he was doing and what the Trojan's plans were. I guess Dolon decides to tell them the positions of where we were and who our allies are. Also, that the Thracians have arrived to help us. If I were in Dolon's position, I'd rather die honorable and not tell them anything. I don't understand why he thought his life would be saved by giving our enemy information. Their plan is to kill us all, not spare anyone.

After hearing all of this information from Dolon and then killing him, Diomedes and Odysseus went to the Thracian's camp. They ended up killing twelve soldiers plus their king, Rhesus. Once these people were dead, they took Rhesus' chariot and horses and headed back to the Achaeans. Having anger from all of this, Zeus made the Achaeans suffer a big massacre the next morning as punishment. Having blood rain on all of the Achaeans.

By afternoon, the Achaeans seem to have got it together. Zeus sent Iris to tell Hector to have him wait till Agamemnon is wounded in order to fight. Coon ended up injuring Agamemnon and Hector began to charge at the Achaeans. But once Diomedes threw a spear and knocked off his helmet, this scared Hector and he immediately retreats. Paris wounds Diomedes and Odysseus is left to fight alone. Socus wounds Odysseus in the ribs so Ajax carried him off the field before he could get hurt further. Nestor told Patroclus about all the wounded Achaeans and begged him to ask Achilles to rejoin the battle. Instead of getting the real Achilles, Patroclus dressed Eurypylus up as Achilles in order to shake up the Trojans.

Courage In Fighting (Books 6-8)

The gods seemed to have disappeared off the field after Diomedes went crazy with killing. This let the Achaeans gain back control of us Trojans. We were feeling hopeless. Menelaus even tried asking for a ransom for the life of Adrestus. Adrestus is a fellow Trojan, who was weakened by Menelaus and could barely fight if tried. Nestor seemed to catch on of the Trojans weakening in battle. He sent a message out to the Achaeans saying to not worry about taking the Trojan's weapons after killing them, but instead to just kill as many Trojans as possible. At this point, I was expecting the downfall of the Trojans. I overheard that Helenus urged Hector to go back to Troy and pray at Athena's temple for mercy.

Hector ended up visiting his wife, Andromache first. She begged Hector not to go back and Hector explained that it is his fate to do so. This obviously upset Andromache, and she already started mourning his death after he left her. Hector then met up with his brother Paris to get ready to rejoin the battle.

After they returned to battle, the tension of the war escalated. The gods Apollo and Athena decided to end the battle for the day because of this; by planning a duel to stop the fighting. Hector showed great courage by offering himself to the Achaeans and whoever wanted to fight him. Menelaus wanted to but Agamemnon somehow talked him out of fighting. In the end, Ajax and Hector were the ones fighting in the duel. The duel was then called off by heralds sent by Zeus. The two made peace and friendship, and exchanged gifts to one another. It was nice to hear of some peace going on for once. Even after fighting, there is some hope left for peace among the Trojans and Achaeans.

Those who fight in war deserve respect in my mind. Respect and honor for their courage. The Trojans and the Achaeans both decided to pay a day to those we lost in battle. A burial for their bravery and remembrance. The next day, us Trojans seemed to have the upper hand in battle. This was definitely all Zeus's doing, making sure the other gods didn't interfere. It felt very good to be a Trojan at this time. A lot of us camped outside our city's walls. Nightfall protected the Greeks, but Hector made a plan to hopefully finish off the Achaeans the next day.

War, Love, & Lust (Books 3-5)

So the word around here is that Paris kidnapped Helen from Menelaus. Everyone knows, don't steal another man's wife. Paris must have never heard, and/or cares. I personally just think he doesn't care. Helen is gorgeous after all. Menelaus just wants to kill Paris, and this is what started the duel between the Trojans and the Achaeans. I overheard someone talking the other day that Paris originally backed down from the duel. His brother Hector had to convince him to duel, calling Paris a coward. I find this hilarious. I would never back down from a duel, ever. This duel is to determine who will once and for all call Helen their wife. If I were Menelaus, I wouldn't even offer my wife to him. I'd just kill Paris and be done. Both armies just want the war to be done.

During the battle, I found it interesting to hear that Aphrodite saved Paris from Menelaus' wrath and took him to Priam's palace. Then Aphrodite had Helen join them. Couldn't be more obvious of who is taking sides with who. Even though Paris seems to be a big coward, Helen still laid in bed with him then and there. His lack of courage and willing to fight makes me sick. Yet, he still gets the girl. It's almost humorous to then hear that everyone is of course looking for Paris, so Agamemnon insisted that Menelaus won the duel; demanding Helen back.

At this point, the gods don't seem to be getting along either. There are gods on the Trojan side, and gods on the Achaean side. Zeus, rooting for the Trojans after promising Thetis to help them, argued that Menelaus won the battle at this point. Athena, however; doesn't agree with this, she hates Troy. So she dressed up disguised as a Trojan soldier and convinced Pandarus to shoot his arrow at Menelaus. Menelaus only got wounded by the arrow with Athena's help.

All hell broke loose with many people dying from this uproar, and no one seemed to win since the gods decided to get involved. You have gods like Athena on the Achaean's side, and Apollo on the Trojan's side.

I of course, got mixed up in all of this. Being a Trojan, I already have the god Athena against me. Diomedes ended up turning into a giant psycho. He seemed extra strong so I knew a god had been helping him out. He ended up wounding and almost killing me. When I called to my mother Aphrodite for help, he ended up wounding her as well! In return, Apollo came to my aid since my mother couldn't help me no more. Diomedes ended up attacking Apollo as well. I think this pissed off the other gods because we seemed to be defeating the Achaeans a lot easier after that. Apollo, however; picked me up off the field and left a replica of my body in place for my comrades to see. I think to piss them off more.



Helen being abducted

Image from: http://www.maicar.com/GML/Helen.html

The 10th Year of the War (Books 1-2)

Things have been getting very crazy and stressful around here. No one ever seems to get along. For example, Achilles and Agamemnon never seem to see eye to eye. From what I've heard, I don't think they ever will. Agamemnon decided to take Chryseis, the daughter of Chryses, who serves as a priest of the god Apollo. This obviously pissed off Chryses that his daughter was taken away from him, and so he chose to ask for help from Apollo. Chryses originally went to Agamemnon first, begging for his daughter back, offering an enormous ransom. But of course Agamemnon refused him. So Apollo stepped in by sending a plague among the Greek camp, causing the death of many soldiers.

Ten days went by, and Achilles finally called an assembly of the Achaean army. Achilles asked the "soothsayer" to discover the cause of the plague. The name of the soothsayer is Calchas. Calchas told Achilles that the plague was created by Apollo, in revenge of Chryses. This made Agamemnon very angry once he heard Chryses was behind the doing of the plague. Agamemnon then confronted Chryses, offering Chryses' daughter's return, only if Achilles gives him Briseis. "And now my prize you threaten in person to strip from me, for whom I labored much, the gift of the sons of the Achaians." Achilles said in anger (book 1, lines 161-162).

Long story short, Agamemnon sent heralds to get Briseis from Achilles' tent. Achilles turned to his mother, Thetis for help. Praying to her and asking that she has Zeus, king of the gods, to punish the Achaeans. Apparently, the rumor around hear is that Zeus owes Thetis a favor. Achilles claimed that his mother said this and that Zeus should help. Well, the rumor must be true because Zeus agreed to help the Trojans. His wife Hera wasn't too thrilled to hear this.

So, as promised, Zeus helped them out by sending a false dream to Agamemnon. I've heard many different stories to how the dream went, Agamemnon only knows the true dream besides Zeus. However, I do hear the best out of all the gossip around here. I have my sources of course. But anyway, it sounds like the dream had someone who looked like Nestor come and persuade him to attack the city's walls. By doing so, he can take Troy. Personally, I would never believe this dream if it were mine. The real Nestor encouraged Agamemnon to arrange his troops by city and clan, allowing them to fight next to people they know and are close to. I'm not quite sure what I'd prefer, but I think fighting with people you know would definitely help.



Image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy

Who I Am

If you don't know me, allow me to introduce myself...I'm Aineias.
The son of  my beautiful mother Aphrodite, and father Anchises. I'm known as the second best Trojan warrior around here, but one day I hope to be known as THE best Trojan warrior. I will soon venture across the Mediterranean and prove to everyone of my great fighting skills. Victory will be mine!


                                              
With Venus              

Images from:
 http://storyseer.blogspot.com/2012/04/life-after-troy.html
http://www.maicar.com/GML/Aeneas.html




My travels

Image from: http://www.maicar.com/GML/Aeneas.html