Book 7 Summary

There is so much needless bloodshed on each side that Athena and Apollo decide together that the violence should end. Apollo suggests that they inspire Hector to challenge the Greeks to another duel to end the fighting. This was accomplished through Helenos, another of Hector's brothers, who is a soothsayer. The gods allow Helenos to divine their plan, and he brings the idea to Hector, as a prophecy. Hector is pleased with the idea and makes the proposal, which is accepted by the Greeks. Unfortunately, they have a difficult time choosing his opponent. After a long silence, Menelaos offers to fight him, but Agamemnon stops him, knowing Hector will kill him. Again, the rest of the army hesitates until the elderly Nestor stands and shames them all with stories of the great heroes of his day. This stirs nine men to volunteer at...