The Song of Achilles

In the war’s ninth year, a girl named Chryseis appears on the dais. The ribbons in her hair identify her as a priest’s daughter and servant of a god. Patroclus nods to Achilles. He steps forward to claim the girl, but Agamemnon beats him to it. Patroclus notices the priest Calchas frown and half open his mouth, but he does not object. The distribution continues.

A month later, the girl’s father, Chryses, a high priest of Apollo, arrives in the Greek camp. He comes with chests full of treasure as ransom for his daughter, who he says was taken unlawfully. Diomedes and Odysseus nod in agreement, but Agamemnon orders Chryses to leave. He will not give up his prize, ever. Chryses leaves, “crying out and shaking his staff at the sky” (260). That night, plague descends. It continues for nine nights, prompting Achilles to consult with his mother, who confirms that it is the god Apollo exacting his revenge on the impious Greeks.

The following day, Achilles calls a council, the first time anyone other than Agamemnon has done so. He announces that it is “past time” (263) they investigate what they have done to anger a god.