Page "Priam" Paragraph 5

When Hector is killed by Achilles, the Greek warrior treats the body with disrespect and refuses to give it back.

Zeus sends the god Hermes to escort King Priam, Hector ’ s father and the ruler of Troy, into the Greek camp.

Priam tearfully pleads with Achilles to take pity on a father bereft of his son and return Hector ’ s body.

He invokes the memory of Achilles ’ own father, Peleus.

Priam begs Achilles to pity him, saying " I have endured what no one on earth has ever done before — I put my lips to the hands of the man who killed my son.

" Deeply moved, Achilles relents and returns Hector ’ s corpse to the Trojans.

Both sides agree to a temporary truce, and Achilles gives Priam leave to hold a proper funeral for Hector, complete with funeral games.

He promises that no Greek will engage in combat for 11 days, but on the 12th day of peace, the mighty war between the Greeks and the Trojans would resume.