Book 8 Summary

Zeus assembles the gods on Mount Olympos and finally lays out his plans. He forbids the divinities to cross him - no one is allowed to help the mortals on either side. Athena respectfully agrees that they will keep out of the fighting, but tells him she is so sorry for the Greeks at having to live out this destiny, that she at least must be allowed to give good counsel to the Greeks to at least minimize their losses. Zeus smiles on this suggestion, and leaves the assembly.

When the fighting resumes, Zeus gives Hector power and allows the Trojans to gain the upper hand, forcing the Greeks back to the wall they have built on the beach. When Hera sees the Greeks are overwhelmed, she called to Poseidon to take pity on them, but Poseidon refuses to cross Zeus. Hector is...