Achilles curses his birth and says that he has lost the spirit to live. He promises to forget his rage and lie in peace once he has died. Thetis tells him that she will let him rush to his death, but only after she brings new weapons. Thetis tells the other nymphs to go home because she plans to visit Hephaestus . Meanwhile, the Trojans keeps attacking the retreating Greeks.
Hector rushes forward three times and is repulsed three times.
Iris comes to Achilles and tells him to go to the trenches without armor to inspire the troops. Athena brings him the storm cloud shield and puts a flame over his head. Achilles shouts three times and the Trojans whirl in panic. Twelve Trojans die and Hera makes night fall. The Trojans meet in a council and Polydamas advises them to retreat to the walls of the city before dawn in fear of Achilles.