Aeneas is threatened only because Diomedes has been made stronger by the influence of Athena. Aphrodite rescues her son from danger as she continues to struggling with hostile gods. Once again, in response to the action of Athena, a god aides a Trojan captain. Ares raises Hector's strength and fills him with rage so that he can rally the Trojan warriors and defend against the rampaging Greeks. Apollo and Athena decide that they want a battle between champions.
Hector is inspired to challenge a Greek warrior.
The two opposed deities have tired of the chaos of battle and would rather see one champion die than many. Hector, foremost of the Trojans, is chosen for his talent in war and his stature. The Greeks must be shamed by Nestor before they volunteer to face the Trojan. By drawing lots, Ajax is selected to fight. In order to turn the battle in the war he wants it, the king of the gods must resort to excessive force.