Question

1. What event did Polydamas witness? 2. What advice did he give Hector when he saw it? 3. Did Hector listen? 4. What was the fate of Patroclus 5. What was Achilles response to Patroclus fate? 6. Why is this important?

Answer 1

1. While Polypoetes and Leonteus gathered the spoils of war, a bird-sign sent by Zeus was witnessed by the warriors led by Hector and Polydamas. An Eagle flew by clutching a huge wounded and bleeding snake in its talons. Because the snake was still alive, it decimated the Eagle which thereafter let go of the snake.
2. Upon seeing the event/sign, Polydamas advised Hector to turn back. He stated that the Eagle was Hector and his army while the wounded snake was Greece. He interpreted it to mean that though Hector and his army had defeated Troy, it would be short-lived. He stated that if Hector didn't turn back at this point and return to Troy, he would eventually be defeated.
3. Hector didn't listen. He confirmed that Zeus himself had given him a message directly assuring him of victory and that he would listen only to Zeus.
4. Patroclus died at the spear of Hector. He had been incensed by Zeus to continue to fight the Trojans.
5. Achilles at first was wounded in the heart he mourned loudly so much so that he was restrained because they thought he would harm himself. became incensed. He mourned the death of his friend Patroclus and vowed to avenge his death. He vowed that Hector would die by his spear.
6. It is important because Achilles and Hectors' life was fated together. It was foretold that upon the death of Hector, Achilles would die thereafter.

Cheers!