The Trojans are hard-pressed. Hektor rallies them, then goes into Ilium to urge the women to go to Athena's temple and seek her aid.

Meanwhile, Diomedes and the Lykian Glaukas meet. In identifying themselves to one another, they realize their families have ties of friendship. The two exchange armor and seek other foes. This exchange of identities is common in epic, as is the exchange of gifts. Trading armor, though, is quite unusual.

Hektor returns to the city and delivers his message to his mother. She and the other older women ask in vain for Athena's help.

Why is it the older women who seek Athena's help?

Meanwhile, Hektor seeks out Paris. He finds him in his bedroom. Helen has been urging him back into battle, and she shares her despite of Paris with Hektor.

Hektor takes leave of his wife and infant son in one of the most emotional scenes of the poem.