Page "Hector" Paragraph 35

After his death, Achilles slits Hector's heels and passes the girdle that Ajax had given Hector through the slits of the heels.

He then fastens the girdle to his chariot and drives his fallen enemy through the dust to the Danaan camp.

For the next twelve days, Achilles mistreats the body, but it remains preserved from all injury by Apollo and Aphrodite.

After these twelve days, the gods can no longer stand watching it and send down two messengers: Iris, another messenger god, and Thetis, mother to Achilles.

Thetis has told Achilles to allow King Priam to come and take the body for ransom.

Once King Priam has been notified that Achilles will allow him to claim the body, he goes to his safe to withdraw the ransom for Hector's body.

The ransom King Priam offers included twelve fine robes, twelve white mantles, several richly embroidered tunics, ten bars of yellow gold, a special gold cup, and several cauldrons.

King Priam himself soon comes to claim the body, and Hermes grants him safe passage by casting a charm that will make anyone who looks at him fall asleep.