batch.motif.greek-iliad-pope-gutenberg-l22571-l22712
---
record_id: batch.motif.greek-iliad-pope-gutenberg-l22571-l22712
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
passage_locator:
label: ARGUMENT. / BOOK XXIV. / ARGUMENT. / THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY OF HECTOR.;
lines 22571-22712
start: '22571'
end: '22712'
translation: The Iliad
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: Priam performs a libation and prays to Jove for safe passage and an omen
before going to Achilles. Jove sends a bird-omen, and Priam departs with gifts
in a wagon. Jove then instructs Hermes to guard Priam and conduct him safely to
Achilles' tent. Hermes appears as a young man, meets Priam and his herald near
a spring at twilight, reassures them, and speaks with Priam while concealing his
divine identity. Priam asks about Hector's body.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Priam orders pure water brought, pours wine from a golden cup, raises his
eyes, and prays to Jove.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Priam asks Jove to send a sacred bird as a celestial augury on the right side
of the sky.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: Jove hears the prayer and sends a broad-winged bird identified by the gods
as Percnos.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: After the bird-omen appears, Priam departs in a chariot while mules draw a
wagon loaded with gifts.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:5
text: The people who accompany Priam mourn and watch him as though seeing him for
the last time.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:6
text: Jove sees Priam crossing the plain and tells Hermes to guard him and conduct
him safely to Achilles' tent.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:7
text: Hermes equips himself with golden pinions and a wand that can dispel sleep
or seal wakeful eyes in sleep.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:8
text: Hermes appears as a beautiful, majestic young man as twilight covers the fields.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:9
text: Priam and his herald stop by the silver spring near Ilus' ancient marble to
rest their animals.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:10
text: The herald sees a man approaching in the dimness and warns Priam that danger
may be near.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:11
text: 'Priam reacts with fear: he shivers, pales, and trembles.'
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:12
text: Hermes greets Priam, touches his hand, questions his night journey, and promises
that no harm will come from him.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: obs:13
text: Priam interprets the young man's help as sent by the gods and calls him guardian
of his way.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: obs:14
text: Hermes identifies himself falsely as a follower of Achilles from the Myrmidonian
force and says he has seen Hector in battle.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: obs:15
text: Priam asks where Hector's body lies and whether dogs have dismembered it or
it remains unmangled.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Priam
description: The aged Trojan king and father who prays, departs with gifts, and
seeks Hector's remains.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:13
- ev:15
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Jove
description: The heavenly lord prayed to by Priam; he sends the bird-omen and commands
Hermes to guard Priam.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Attendant handmaid
description: The attendant who brings the pure water and holds the ewer and basin.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Priam's queen
description: The queen who has filled the golden cup used by Priam.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Sacred bird / Percnos
description: Jove's broad-winged bird, a celestial augury known to the gods as Percnos.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Idus
description: The person holding the reins of the mule-drawn loaded wagon.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Following people and mourning matron
description: People who watch Priam depart and mourn, including a mourning matron
who dries her tears.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Hermes
description: The divine messenger sent by Jove; he equips himself with golden pinions
and a sleep-wand, appears as a young man, and reassures Priam.
role_refs:
- role:8
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:12
- ev:14
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Herald
description: Priam's companion, an old guide who notices the approaching figure
and warns Priam.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:12
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Achilles / stern Pelides
description: The Greek warrior to whose tent Priam is being conducted and whose
follower Hermes claims to be.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:6
- ev:14
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: Hector
description: Priam's dead son, described as Troy's guard and glory and as godlike
in battle.
role_refs:
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: Greek foes / Myrmidonian force
description: The hostile Greek forces through whose lines Priam must pass; Hermes
claims to belong to Achilles' Myrmidonian race.
role_refs:
- role:13
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:12
- ev:14
roles:
- id: role:1
label: praying suppliant
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Priam raises a libation and prays to Jove for mercy and a favorable omen.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: role:2
label: father seeking dead son
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Priam asks what has happened to his son's remains and whether Hector's body
is intact.
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- id: role:3
label: divine sender of omen and protection
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Jove sends the bird-omen and tells Hermes to guard Priam.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: role:4
label: ritual attendant
assigned_to:
- fig:3
- fig:4
basis: The handmaid brings water and the queen fills the cup used in the rite.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:5
label: omen bird
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: The bird is explicitly described as a celestial augury sent by Jove.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: role:6
label: wagon driver
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: Idus holds the reins of the mule-drawn wagon carrying gifts.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:7
label: mourning witnesses
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: The people mourn and watch Priam as he departs.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:8
label: divine guardian and conductor
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: Jove instructs Hermes to guard Priam and conduct him safely to Achilles'
tent.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:9
label: disguised divine messenger
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: Hermes appears as a youthful man and later speaks under a mortal identity.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:14
- id: role:10
label: human guide and alarmed companion
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: The herald travels with Priam, sees the approaching figure, and warns him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: role:11
label: destination and dangerous host
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: Priam prays to be directed to Achilles, and Jove orders Hermes to conduct
Priam to Achilles' tent.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:6
- id: role:12
label: dead son whose body is sought
assigned_to:
- fig:11
basis: Priam asks where Hector's remains are and what has befallen him dead.
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- id: role:13
label: hostile forces to be crossed
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: The herald and Hermes refer to Greek foes through whom Priam must pass.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:12
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: living spring water
literal_form: pure water of the living spring used before Priam's prayer
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: sym:2
label: golden cup and wine libation
literal_form: golden cup filled by the queen; rosy wine poured on the pavement
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: sym:3
label: holy hill of Ida
literal_form: lofty Ida's holy hill where Jove is adored
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- mountain
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:4
label: right-side sacred bird augury
literal_form: broad-winged bird sent by Jove, descending on the right
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:5
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: sym:5
label: loaded wagon of gifts
literal_form: mule-drawn wagon charged with gifts
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:6
label: Hermes' golden pinions
literal_form: golden pinions bound by Hermes for flight
associated_figures:
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: sym:7
label: sleep-wand
literal_form: wand that causes sleep to fly or seals wakeful eyes in soft slumbers
associated_figures:
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: sym:8
label: silver spring by Ilus' marble
literal_form: spring circling Ilus' ancient marble where Priam and the herald stop
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:9
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: sym:9
label: twilight and dim shade
literal_form: twilight veiling the day and dim shade in which the approach is seen
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:8
- fig:9
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:10
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Priam's libation and prayer for an omen
summary: Priam prepares ritual water and wine, pours a libation, and asks Jove for
safe direction to Achilles and a bird-omen.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Jove sends the bird-omen and Priam departs
summary: Jove sends the bird called Percnos. Encouraged by the omen, Priam leaves
with a chariot and a gift-laden wagon while mourners watch.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:5
- fig:6
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: scene:3
label: Jove commissions Hermes as protector
summary: Jove sees Priam crossing the plain and commands Hermes to guard him from
the observing enemy and guide him to Achilles' tent.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:8
- fig:10
- fig:12
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: scene:4
label: Hermes descends in disguise
summary: Hermes takes his winged equipment and sleep-wand, flies over land and sea,
and appears as a noble young man at twilight.
figure_refs:
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
- sym:7
- sym:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: scene:5
label: Meeting near the silver spring
summary: Priam and the herald rest their animals by a spring. The herald sees the
approaching figure and fears danger; Priam trembles, but Hermes greets him and
promises protection.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:8
- fig:9
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:8
- sym:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: scene:6
label: Priam and the disguised Hermes discuss Hector
summary: Priam recognizes the youth as a god-sent guardian. Hermes, concealing his
identity, claims to be among Achilles' men and speaks of Hector's battlefield
glory. Priam asks about the state of Hector's body.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:8
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:12
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- ev:14
- ev:15
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: prayer, libation, and divine omen before a dangerous journey
taxonomy_refs:
- departure
basis: Priam performs a libation, prays for Jove's guidance, receives a bird-omen,
and then begins his journey toward Achilles.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
confidence: high
cautions: The taxonomy reference captures the departure aspect; the specific augury
rite is more precise than the broad taxonomy label.
- id: motif:2
label: divine guide protects a vulnerable traveler through enemy space
taxonomy_refs:
- trickster_boundary
basis: Jove sends Hermes to guard Priam from enemies and conduct him safely to Achilles'
tent; Hermes appears in disguise and reassures him during the night journey.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:8
- ev:12
- ev:14
confidence: medium
cautions: Hermes' boundary-crossing and disguise fit the available taxonomy only
broadly; the passage emphasizes guardianship more than trickery.
- id: motif:3
label: ransom or recovery journey for a dead son's body
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_exchange
basis: Priam travels with a wagon loaded with gifts toward Achilles and asks about
Hector's remains.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:15
confidence: medium
cautions: The actual exchange is not completed within this passage; the motif is
inferred from the gift-laden journey and the stated concern for Hector's body.
- id: motif:4
label: fatherly supplication for mercy from a killer or enemy
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Priam prays that Achilles be taught mercy when a father prays and later seeks
information about his dead son.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:15
confidence: medium
cautions: The direct supplication to Achilles occurs outside this excerpt; here
it is anticipated in prayer and journey.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 22571-22579
quote_or_summary: Priam says it is just to raise hands to Jove, has pure spring
water brought, takes a golden cup filled by his queen, pours wine, and calls on
the divine power.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 22580-22589
quote_or_summary: Priam addresses Jove as heavenly lord adored on Ida, asks to be
directed to Achilles, asks that Achilles be taught mercy, and requests a sacred
bird as a right-side augury.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 22590-22598
quote_or_summary: Jove hears the prayer and sends his bird, a celestial augury known
to the gods as Percnos, with broad wings descending on the right.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 22599-22606
quote_or_summary: Joy appears after the omen; Priam mounts his car, mules draw the
gift-laden wagon, Idus holds the reins, and Priam drives his horses through friends.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: 22607-22613
quote_or_summary: The following people mourn at each step, lift their hands, watch
Priam as though for the last time, and then return to Ilion as he goes on.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 22614-22624
quote_or_summary: Jove sees Priam crossing the plain, pities human woes, and tells
Hermes to guard him, prevent the observing enemy, and conduct him safely to Achilles'
tent.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 22625-22632
quote_or_summary: Hermes obeys, binds on golden pinions, flies through the air over
earth and sea, and takes the wand that dispels sleep or seals wakeful eyes in
slumber.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 22633-22637
quote_or_summary: Hermes stoops near the Hellespont and appears as a beautiful,
majestic youth as twilight veils the day and darkens the fields.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: 22638-22642
quote_or_summary: The herald and aged king stop their chariots at the silver spring
circling Ilus' ancient marble and rest their mules and horses.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: 22643-22650
quote_or_summary: In the dim shade the herald first sees a man's approach and warns
Priam that foes may be advancing and destruction may be near.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: 22651-22654
quote_or_summary: Priam shivers with despair; his face grows pale, his hair stands
up, his heart sinks, and his aged frame trembles.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:12
type: summary
locator: 22655-22670
quote_or_summary: Hermes greets Priam, touches his hand, asks why he travels by
night among Greek foes with treasures, and promises that no harm will touch him
and that he will guard him from Greece.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:13
type: summary
locator: 22671-22678
quote_or_summary: Priam replies that his hazards are great but the gods survey his
steps and have sent this youth as guardian of his way; he blesses him and praises
his form, feature, and mind.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:14
type: summary
locator: 22679-22704
quote_or_summary: Hermes questions whether Priam carries treasure away or flees
Troy after Hector's death; when Priam asks who he is, Hermes says he has seen
Hector in battle and claims to serve Achilles among the Myrmidons.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:15
type: summary
locator: 22705-22712
quote_or_summary: Priam asks the supposed follower of Achilles where his son's relics
are, what has happened to him dead, and whether dogs have dismembered the body
or it remains unmangled.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: high
notes: Literal extraction is well supported by the supplied passage. Motif labels
are candidate-level and constrained to available taxonomy; some are broad because
the excerpt anticipates events completed later.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
No comparison claims were added because the passage itself does not explicitly support a comparison beyond candidate motif classification.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:greek-iliad-pope-gutenberg__l22571-l22712
passage_sha256=376d9c95178282da0cc9b6f55d06f86125eb009531c184aac5c6a96bd092d747