batch.motif.greek-iliad-pope-gutenberg-l8560-l8692
---
record_id: batch.motif.greek-iliad-pope-gutenberg-l8560-l8692
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
passage_locator:
label: THE SINGLE COMBAT OF HECTOR AND AJAX. / BOOK VIII. / ARGUMENT. / THE SECOND
BATTLE, AND THE DISTRESS OF THE GREEKS.; lines 8560-8692
start: '8560'
end: '8692'
translation: The Iliad
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: 'After the king prays, Zeus answers with an eagle omen: the bird drops
a fawn before the altar, encouraging the Greeks. Diomedes and other Greek leaders
press the attack. Teucer shoots from behind Ajax’s shield and kills several Trojans.
Agamemnon praises Teucer and promises him rich rewards if Troy falls. Teucer says
he has aimed at Hector, but some god prevents Hector’s death. Teucer’s arrows
miss Hector and kill Gorgythius and Archeptolemus; Phoebus turns one wound away
from Hector. Hector leaves his chariot, strikes Teucer with a stone, and breaks
his bowstring; Ajax shields Teucer while others carry him away. Zeus then favors
Troy; Hector drives the Greeks back to the ships, terrifying them, while Hera
watches and prepares to speak to Athena.'
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: A king prays in bitterness, and Zeus is said to hear and answer the prayer.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Zeus sends an eagle carrying a fawn; the eagle drops the prey before an altar.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:3
text: The Greeks interpret the eagle and fawn as an encouraging sign and attack
the Trojans with renewed force.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: Diomedes crosses the ditch by horse and kills Agelaus with a javelin.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: Several Greek leaders cross the mound after the passage is opened.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:6
text: Teucer shoots arrows from behind Ajax’s shield, withdrawing beneath it after
each shot.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:7
text: Ajax protects Teucer in the field by moving with him and turning his shield
toward danger.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:8
text: Teucer’s arrows kill multiple named Trojans.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:9
text: Agamemnon praises Teucer and promises a rich gift if Troy is captured.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:10
text: Teucer says he has repeatedly aimed at Hector but that some god prevents him
from destroying Hector.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:11
text: Teucer’s arrow misses Hector and kills Gorgythius instead.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:12
text: Another arrow is turned away from Hector by Phoebus and kills Archeptolemus.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:13
text: Hector leaves his chariot, takes a stone from the ground, and strikes Teucer
as Teucer prepares to shoot.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:14
text: The stone breaks Teucer’s bowstring, numbs his hand, and causes him to fall.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: obs:15
text: Ajax shields the fallen Teucer until Alaster and Mecistheus carry him away
groaning toward the shore.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: obs:16
text: Zeus is said to favor Troy, strengthening Trojan hands and hearts.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: obs:17
text: Hector drives the Greeks back behind their wall and trench toward the ships.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- id: obs:18
text: Hector is described with images of a pursuing hound, Gorgon-like eyes, and
Mars-like dread.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: obs:19
text: Hera watches the Greeks’ distress and addresses Athena.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: the king
description: The praying monarch whose vows are heard by Zeus; not named in this
passage segment.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Zeus / Jove / Olympian sire
description: Heaven’s father who hears the prayer, sends the eagle sign, and later
grants favor to Troy.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:14
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: eagle
description: Sacred bird sent by Zeus, carrying a fawn and dropping it before the
altar.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: fawn
description: Prey carried in the eagle’s talons and dropped before the altar.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: the Greeks
description: Greek troops who are encouraged by the omen, attack, and later retreat
toward their ships.
role_refs:
- role:5
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:14
- ev:15
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: the Trojans / Troy
description: The opposing force attacked by the Greeks and later favored by Zeus.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:14
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Tydides / Diomedes
description: Greek warrior who crosses the ditch and kills Agelaus.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Agelaus
description: Son of Phradmon, killed by Diomedes while trying to flee with his horses.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Agamemnon
description: Greek monarch who praises Teucer and promises him a gift if Troy falls.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Teucer
description: Skilled archer who fights from behind Ajax’s shield, kills several
Trojans, aims at Hector, and is struck down by Hector’s stone.
role_refs:
- role:7
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:8
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: Ajax / Telamonian Ajax
description: Warrior who guards Teucer with a broad sevenfold shield and later screens
him when he falls.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:13
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: Hector
description: Trojan champion whom Teucer tries to kill; he attacks Teucer with a
stone and later drives the Greeks back toward the ships.
role_refs:
- role:7
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:11
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: fig:13
name_or_label: Phoebus
description: God who turns Teucer’s arrow away from Hector.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: fig:14
name_or_label: Gorgythius
description: Son of Priam and Castianira, killed by an arrow intended for Hector.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: fig:15
name_or_label: Archeptolemus
description: Hector’s charioteer, killed by an arrow deflected away from Hector.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: fig:16
name_or_label: Cebriones
description: Person whom Hector orders to direct the reins after Archeptolemus falls.
role_refs:
- role:13
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: fig:17
name_or_label: Alaster
description: One of the men who carries the injured Teucer away.
role_refs:
- role:14
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: fig:18
name_or_label: Mecistheus
description: One of the men who carries the injured Teucer away.
role_refs:
- role:14
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: fig:19
name_or_label: Hera / wife of Jove
description: Goddess who observes the distress of the Greeks.
role_refs:
- role:15
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
- id: fig:20
name_or_label: Athena / war’s triumphant maid
description: Goddess addressed by Hera at the end of the passage.
role_refs:
- role:16
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
roles:
- id: role:1
label: praying monarch
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: The passage describes the king praying and Zeus hearing his vows.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:2
label: divine sender or intervener
assigned_to:
- fig:2
- fig:13
basis: Zeus sends the omen and strengthens Troy; Phoebus turns an arrow away from
Hector.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:10
- ev:14
- id: role:3
label: portent-bearing bird
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: The eagle is called a sacred bird and divine portent sent by Zeus.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:4
label: omen prey
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: The fawn is carried by the eagle and dropped before the altar as part of
the sign.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:5
label: omen-encouraged army
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: The Greeks revive and attack after seeing the sign.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:6
label: opposing army favored later
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: The Trojans are attacked after the omen but later receive grace from Zeus.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:14
- id: role:7
label: battle attacker
assigned_to:
- fig:7
- fig:10
- fig:12
basis: Diomedes, Teucer, and Hector are each described attacking enemies in battle.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:5
- ev:11
- ev:15
- id: role:8
label: battle victim
assigned_to:
- fig:8
- fig:14
- fig:15
basis: Each is killed in the fighting described in the passage.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: role:9
label: praiser and reward-promiser
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Agamemnon praises Teucer and vows a rich gift if Troy is taken.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:10
label: protector-protected pair
assigned_to:
- fig:10
- fig:11
basis: Teucer shoots from behind Ajax’s shield, and Ajax guards him before and after
he falls.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:13
- id: role:11
label: retreating army
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: The Greeks retreat behind their wall and trench and make a stand before the
ships.
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- id: role:12
label: terrifying pursuer
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: Hector pursues and kills the hindmost Greeks and is described in terrifying
terms.
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: role:13
label: replacement chariot driver
assigned_to:
- fig:16
basis: Hector tells Cebriones to direct the reins after Archeptolemus dies.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: role:14
label: wounded-warrior bearers
assigned_to:
- fig:17
- fig:18
basis: Alaster and Mecistheus carry the injured Teucer away.
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: role:15
label: divine observer
assigned_to:
- fig:19
basis: Hera observes the distress of the Greeks.
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
- id: role:16
label: divine addressee
assigned_to:
- fig:20
basis: Hera speaks to Athena at the passage close.
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: eagle omen
literal_form: eagle carrying a fawn and dropping it before an altar
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: sym:2
label: altar
literal_form: altar before which the eagle drops the fawn
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: sym:3
label: sevenfold shield
literal_form: Ajax’s sevenfold shield beneath which Teucer withdraws
associated_figures:
- fig:10
- fig:11
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:13
- id: sym:4
label: bow and arrows
literal_form: Teucer’s bow and shafts used against the Trojans and Hector
associated_figures:
- fig:10
- fig:12
- fig:14
- fig:15
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:12
- id: sym:5
label: stone weapon
literal_form: stone lifted from the ground by Hector and hurled at Teucer
associated_figures:
- fig:10
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: sym:6
label: wall, trench, and ships
literal_form: Greek defensive wall, trench, and ships near which the retreat occurs
associated_figures:
- fig:5
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- id: sym:7
label: fire imagery
literal_form: hearts filled with fire and Hector’s eyes compared to sanguine flame
associated_figures:
- fig:6
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:16
- id: sym:8
label: Gorgon image
literal_form: Hector’s eyes are compared to the Gorgon
associated_figures:
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Zeus answers prayer with an eagle sign
summary: A king prays; Zeus sends an eagle carrying a fawn, which drops the prey
before an altar, and the Greeks take courage.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Greek attack after the omen
summary: Diomedes and other Greek leaders cross the ditch or mound and press the
Trojans; Diomedes kills Agelaus.
figure_refs:
- fig:5
- fig:6
- fig:7
- fig:8
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: scene:3
label: Teucer shoots from behind Ajax’s shield
summary: Teucer uses Ajax’s shield as cover, killing a succession of Trojans while
Ajax protects him.
figure_refs:
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: scene:4
label: Agamemnon promises Teucer rewards
summary: Agamemnon praises Teucer’s bravery and promises him a rich honorary gift
if Troy is taken.
figure_refs:
- fig:9
- fig:10
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: scene:5
label: Divine protection diverts arrows from Hector
summary: Teucer says a god prevents Hector’s death; his arrows miss Hector and kill
Gorgythius and Archeptolemus, with Phoebus explicitly turning one wound away.
figure_refs:
- fig:10
- fig:12
- fig:13
- fig:14
- fig:15
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: scene:6
label: Hector disables Teucer
summary: Hector leaves his chariot, orders Cebriones to take the reins, strikes
Teucer with a stone, breaks his bowstring, and causes him to fall.
figure_refs:
- fig:10
- fig:12
- fig:16
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: scene:7
label: Ajax shields and comrades remove Teucer
summary: Ajax covers the fallen Teucer with his shield while Alaster and Mecistheus
carry Teucer groaning toward the shore.
figure_refs:
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:17
- fig:18
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: scene:8
label: Hector drives Greeks to the ships
summary: Zeus favors Troy; Hector pursues the Greeks, who retreat behind wall and
trench and make a stand before the ships.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:5
- fig:6
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
- sym:7
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- ev:16
- id: scene:9
label: Hera observes the Greeks’ distress
summary: Hera watches the Greeks’ distress and begins to address Athena.
figure_refs:
- fig:19
- fig:20
- fig:5
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: divine omen answers prayer before battle
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: Zeus hears the king’s prayer and sends an eagle-fawn sign that the Greeks
interpret as encouragement.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
confidence: medium
cautions: The taxonomy label is approximate; the passage presents an answered prayer
and omen rather than a formal judgment scene.
- id: motif:2
label: bird of prey drops sign at altar
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: A sacred eagle carries a fawn and drops it before the altar, prompting collective
interpretation by the army.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
confidence: high
cautions: No broader comparative claim is made beyond the literal omen pattern in
the passage.
- id: motif:3
label: protected archer behind warrior’s shield
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Teucer repeatedly shoots from behind Ajax’s shield, and Ajax moves with him
to guard him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
confidence: high
cautions: This is a battle tactic and protective-pair pattern, not a named taxonomy
motif from the supplied list.
- id: motif:4
label: divine deflection prevents hero’s death
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Teucer says a god prevents him from killing Hector, and Phoebus turns a later
arrow away from Hector.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:10
confidence: high
cautions: The passage identifies divine intervention but does not explain the god’s
larger motive.
- id: motif:5
label: reward vow for heroic service
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_exchange
basis: Agamemnon vows that Teucer will receive a rich gift if the gods allow Troy’s
walls to be razed.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
confidence: low
cautions: The promised exchange is primarily royal and martial; the sacred-exchange
taxonomy is only weakly supported by the conditional invocation of divine powers.
- id: motif:6
label: terrifying hero drives army to ships
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Hector is described as more than mortal, pursuing and killing the hindmost
Greeks as they retreat to the ships.
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- ev:16
confidence: high
cautions: This is a heroic battle-rout pattern rather than a supplied mythic taxonomy
category.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 8560-8571
quote_or_summary: The king prays; Zeus hears, sends his sacred eagle with a fawn
in its talons, and the bird drops the prey before the altar.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 8572-8575
quote_or_summary: The Greeks see the sign, are seized with joy, revive, and drive
fiercely against Troy.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 8576-8587
quote_or_summary: Diomedes crosses the ditch on horseback, strikes Agelaus through
the back, and Agelaus falls from his chariot.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 8588-8594
quote_or_summary: Greek leaders including the Atridae, the Ajaces, Meriones, Idomeneus,
Evaemon’s son, and Teucer pass the mound after the passage is freed.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: 8595-8603
quote_or_summary: Teucer surveys the field from behind Ajax’s shield, shoots, withdraws
beneath the sevenfold orb, and Ajax guards him as he moves.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 8604-8612
quote_or_summary: Teucer’s arrows kill Orsilochus, Ormenus, Lycophon, Chromius,
Daetor, Ophelestes, Hamopaon, and Melanippus.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 8613-8632
quote_or_summary: Agamemnon praises Teucer as a savior of the host and vows a rich
honorary gift, such as a tripod, chariot, horses, or captive, if Troy falls.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 8633-8643
quote_or_summary: Teucer replies that he needs no urging, has aimed at Hector since
the rally, and believes some god denies him Hector’s death.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: 8644-8652
quote_or_summary: Teucer shoots at Hector’s breast but misses and kills Gorgythius,
son of Priam and Castianira; the youth sinks like a rain-heavy poppy.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: 8653-8662
quote_or_summary: Another arrow, turned from Hector by Phoebus, kills Archeptolemus,
Hector’s charioteer, alarming the horses.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: 8663-8672
quote_or_summary: Hector grieves for his charioteer, orders Cebriones to take the
reins, leaves his car, takes a stone, and rushes at Teucer.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:12
type: summary
locator: 8673-8681
quote_or_summary: As Teucer draws his bow, Hector’s stone strikes near the neck
and chest, breaks the bowstring, numbs Teucer’s hand, and makes him drop the bow
and fall.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:13
type: summary
locator: 8682-8685
quote_or_summary: Ajax displays his broad shield to screen Teucer until Alaster
and Mecistheus carry the battered archer groaning to the shore.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:14
type: summary
locator: 8686-8690
quote_or_summary: Zeus grants Troy favor, arms Trojan hands, fills their breasts
with fire, and the Greeks retreat behind wall and trench.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:15
type: summary
locator: 8691-8704
quote_or_summary: Hector, clothed with terror, pursues the Greeks like a hound after
a lion and kills the hindmost as they flee past the trench and stand before the
ships.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized; locator extends within supplied passage
text beyond stated line end labeling.
- id: ev:16
type: summary
locator: 8705-8709
quote_or_summary: Hector comes on his chariot with eyes compared to a Gorgon’s bloody
flame and is likened to Mars.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized; locator extends within supplied passage
text beyond stated line end labeling.
- id: ev:17
type: summary
locator: 8710-8712
quote_or_summary: Hera, wife of Jove, surveys the Greeks’ distress and begins to
speak to Athena.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/iliad-pope.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized; locator extends within supplied passage
text beyond stated line end labeling.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: high
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied passage. Some evidence locators
at the end are approximate because the supplied passage text appears to continue
beyond the stated line range label.
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 comparative claim beyond local motif-pattern identification.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:greek-iliad-pope-gutenberg__l8560-l8692
passage_sha256=a4f4d9219d684425441223a51e71defad9bcc610d758e896411aa2ef2a8b6625