18 The Funeral Games

CHAPTER 18 The Funeral Games To celebrate his victory over Hector—and to pay respect to the life of his friend—Achilles hosted funeral games in honor of Patroclus. The Achaean men competed in various sports and challenges. Achilles looked on. But none of this cheered Achilles. He was still drowned in sorrow for his friend. And he still kept Hector's corpse. Once the games were over, it was time to bury Patroclus. Achilles seemed to grieve even harder for his lost friend. He missed his friendship, his advice, and his humor. One

night soon after Patroclus's funeral, Achilles could not sleep. He got up and went to his friend's grave. Achilles dragged Hector's corpse around Patroclus's grave three times. But that did not cure his sadness. The whole time, Apollo protected Hector's corpse. The god put an invisible shield around the dead warrior. This way his body could not be damaged as it was dragged. Apollo hoped that Hector's family could still bury him with dignity. Apollo appealed to the other gods. "Many of you stood by the murderous Achilles as he destroyed Hector. At least allow Hector to have a burial that is fitting for a prince. His family needs to see him. He fought well for Troy. His people need to mourn him properly." Zeus agreed. He declared that Hector's body should be returned to his father. But they could not steal his body back from

Achilles. Thetis was always standing guard. Zeus called Thetis to Mount Olympus. "We must give Hector's body back to his people. I promise you that we will still give Achilles his rightful glory. But Hector's people need to say good-bye to him. Do what you must to persuade Achilles to give up Hector's body." Thetis went to her son. She found Achilles wailing at Patroclus's grave. She gently put her hand on her son's shoulder. "My dear boy," she said. "It is time to bury the bodies. Zeus himself commands you to give Hector's body back to his father." "I want the Trojans to suffer as I suffer," Achilles cried. "They do suffer," she said. "They lost many men, including their prince. They lost many battles. Now you must obey Zeus's orders." "Of course," he sighed. "But they must pay for our losses, too. Whoever brings us

payment—treasure and gold—may take the body," Achilles told his mother. Zeus sent a messenger to tell the news to King Priam. The king sat alone in his bedroom. The wails of the Trojan men and women could be heard throughout the city. "Achilles will give back your son's body in exchange for treasure," the messenger said. "Send your ransom over to the Achaean ships and retrieve your son. But you must go on your own. Zeus will protect you on your journey." Priam wasted no time. A wagon full of treasure was prepared. He was an old man, and this was a dangerous mission. But Priam trusted that Zeus would protect him and his driver. Queen Hecuba said, "Are you a fool, dear husband? You cannot go yourself! How can you trust Achilles? It is too dangerous." "I must go," Priam said to his wife. "Even if

I die at the hands of Achilles, I must get my son's body back. Don't you feel we deserve to say goodbye?" Priam continued his preparation. The king disguised himself as a peasant. Then he climbed into the wagon full of treasure for Achilles. Queen Hecuba rushed up to the wagon and said, "Quick! Offer wine to Zeus before you leave. Make him happy so he will protect you." King Priam grabbed a jug from his wagon nearby. He poured some wine to the earth and gave generous praise to Zeus. Zeus looked favorably upon the offering. He sent an eagle soaring over their heads. "Zeus seems pleased!" Priam told his wife. "I will go to the Achaean camp without fear." Priam arrived at Achilles's tent in the dark of night. He entered the tent and knelt down beside Achilles. He kissed Achilles's hand— the hand that killed so many of his sons. "I have lost many sons in this war," King

Priam said. "Troy has lost too many good men. It will take a long time to recover. But no pain is as great as losing Hector. Pity me, Achilles. I am a broken old man. Let me bury my son with the honor he deserves." Eventually, Achilles found the strength to speak. "You are a brave man to come here. I could easily kill you now. But I will not hurt you. And I will give you back your son. The gods played with our lives. We were only toys in their games. And now we must suffer. But our sorrow will not bring our loved ones back." Achilles left the tent. He asked some of his men to prepare Hector's body by carefully wrapping it in robes. Achilles lifted Hector's body and placed him in Priam's wagon. He felt calm for the first time since Patroclus had died. His thoughts were with his dear friend. "How long will it take you to honor and