Priam’s Grief

Achilles treated Hector’s body with hatred and contempt, attaching it to his chariot again each morning to drag it round Patroclus’ funeral pyre. Eventually the gods, who had miraculously preserved the corpse from mutilation and decay, decided enough was enough. Thetis was dispatched to inform her son that he must ransom the body.

King Priam, accompanied by Hermes, arranged a meeting with Achilles. The old warrior’s grief struck a chord with Achilles, reminding him of his feelings for his own father, Peleus. With sorrow but no hint of bitterness, the old king pleaded for the return of his son’s body. His directness touched Achilles, who now showed pity. The two enemies mourned their dead together, and Achilles promised to arrange a twelve-day truce to allow King Priam time to organize a suitable funeral.