The Iliad

After driving the armies into conflict, Zeus turns his gaze away, certain that none of the gods will dare interfere. Poseidon, however, continues following developments and, feeling pity for the Achaeans, enters their camp, which the Trojans are swarming. In the guise of Calchas, he encourages the two Ajaxes, filling their hearts and bodies with strength, leaving them feeling renewed and longing for battle. When Poseidon soars away like a hawk, Little Ajax realizes he is a god. Poseidon travels down the Achaean lines, lifting their spirits with a mix of encouragement and berating. Hector continues to advance, certain of Zeus’s approval. He kills Poseidon’s grandson Amphimachus, infuriating the god, who further rouses the Achaeans.

Encountering Idomeneus, Poseidon assumes the guise of King Thoas and asks why the Achaeans are flagging. Idomeneus blames “the pleasure of overweening Zeus” (349). Poseidon urges him to do his best, and Idomeneus rushes toward his camp to arm. He runs into his aid, Meriones, who has come to replace his weapons. After exchanging brags and jibes, Idomeneus praises Meriones’s bravery, and they enter battle together. The Trojans swarm them, and the fighting intensifies.

Zeus wills the Trojans to victory for the sake of Thetis and