Zeus honors his promise to Thetis by forbidding interference by any other gods. And when Athena and Hera try, he drives them back with a threat of violence.

Zeus' plan is almost thwarted by the indomitable Diomedes -- and Diomedes rescues Nestor from sure death at Hektor's hands -- but by the end of the day the Achaeans have retreated inside their fortifications. Even the mighty Odysseus is seen fleeing with his shield on his back. The Trojans camp on the plain, anticipating a complete victory the following day. Hektor's display of arete constitutes another study of the heroic.