Original Text(~250 words)
ARGUMENT. THE NIGHT-ADVENTURE OF DIOMED AND ULYSSES. Upon the refusal of Achilles to return to the army, the distress of Agamemnon is described in the most lively manner. He takes no rest that night, but passes through the camp, awaking the leaders, and contriving all possible methods for the public safety. Menelaus, Nestor, Ulysses, and Diomed are employed in raising the rest of the captains. They call a council of war, and determine to send scouts into the enemies’ camp, to learn their posture, and discover their intentions. Diomed undertakes this hazardous enterprise, and makes choice of Ulysses for his companion. In their passage they surprise Dolon, whom Hector had sent on a like design to the camp of the Grecians. From him they are informed of the situation of the Trojan and auxiliary forces, and particularly of Rhesus, and the Thracians who were lately arrived. They pass on with success; kill Rhesus, with several of his officers, and seize the famous horses of that prince, with which they return in triumph to the camp. The same night continues; the scene lies in the two camps. All night the chiefs before their vessels lay, And lost in sleep the labours of the day: All but the king: with various thoughts oppress’d,[215] His country’s cares lay rolling in his breast. As when by lightnings Jove’s ethereal power Foretels the rattling hail, or weighty shower, Or sends soft snows to whiten all the shore, Or bids the brazen throat of war to...
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Summary
With Achilles still refusing to fight, Agamemnon lies awake consumed by worry as Trojan campfires blaze ominously close to the Greek ships. Unable to sleep, he rouses his fellow commanders including Nestor, Odysseus, and Diomedes for an emergency war council. They decide someone must infiltrate the Trojan camp to gather crucial intelligence about enemy plans. Diomedes volunteers for this dangerous mission and chooses the clever Odysseus as his partner. Meanwhile, Hector makes the same decision, sending a scout named Dolon to spy on the Greeks. The two Greek heroes intercept Dolon, interrogate him about Trojan positions, then kill him despite his pleas for mercy. Armed with Dolon's information about newly arrived Thracian allies led by King Rhesus, they penetrate the enemy camp. There they slaughter Rhesus and twelve of his men in their sleep, stealing the king's magnificent white horses—prizes that will boost Greek morale. The night raid succeeds brilliantly, demonstrating how bold action can shift momentum even in desperate circumstances. This chapter reveals how crisis can forge unlikely partnerships and how gathering information before acting separates successful leaders from those who merely react. The contrast between the sleepless, worried Agamemnon and the decisive action of Diomedes and Odysseus shows different ways leaders handle pressure.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Night raid
A surprise military attack conducted under cover of darkness to gain intelligence or disrupt enemy forces. In ancient warfare, these missions were extremely dangerous but could provide crucial advantages through stealth and surprise.
Modern Usage:
We see this in corporate espionage, competitive intelligence gathering, or even surprise inspections at workplaces.
War council
An emergency meeting of military leaders to discuss strategy during crisis. These councils brought together different perspectives and expertise to make critical decisions under pressure.
Modern Usage:
Similar to crisis management meetings in hospitals, emergency response teams, or executive sessions during company emergencies.
Reconnaissance
Gathering information about enemy positions, plans, and capabilities before taking action. This intelligence work was essential for making informed strategic decisions rather than acting blindly.
Modern Usage:
Like researching a company before a job interview, checking reviews before buying something, or gathering facts before confronting someone.
Auxiliary forces
Additional troops or allies who join the main army to provide extra support. These reinforcements could change the balance of power in a conflict.
Modern Usage:
Like calling in extra staff during busy periods, bringing in consultants for big projects, or asking family to help during tough times.
Spoils of war
Valuable items taken from defeated enemies, including weapons, treasure, and symbols of victory. These prizes boosted morale and demonstrated success to troops.
Modern Usage:
Similar to performance bonuses, trophies, or any rewards that recognize achievement and motivate continued effort.
Leadership under pressure
How different people respond when facing crisis situations that demand immediate decisions. Some freeze with worry while others take decisive action.
Modern Usage:
Seen in how managers handle workplace crises, parents deal with family emergencies, or anyone responds to unexpected challenges.
Characters in This Chapter
Agamemnon
Worried commander-in-chief
Lies awake consumed by anxiety about the desperate military situation, unable to sleep while enemy fires burn close to his ships. His sleepless worry shows the burden of ultimate responsibility.
Modern Equivalent:
The CEO who can't sleep during a company crisis
Diomedes
Bold volunteer leader
Steps forward to undertake the dangerous night mission when others hesitate. Shows courage and initiative by volunteering for the most hazardous assignment.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker who volunteers for the difficult project everyone else avoids
Odysseus
Strategic partner
Chosen by Diomedes as the ideal companion for the night raid due to his intelligence and cunning. Proves his worth through clever interrogation and successful execution of the mission.
Modern Equivalent:
The smart colleague you want on your team for tough assignments
Dolon
Enemy spy
Trojan scout sent by Hector on a similar mission who gets captured by the Greek heroes. His interrogation provides crucial intelligence before he is killed.
Modern Equivalent:
The competitor's employee who accidentally reveals company secrets
Rhesus
Unsuspecting victim
Thracian king who arrives as Troy's ally but is killed in his sleep along with his men. His death and the theft of his famous horses represent a major blow to Trojan morale.
Modern Equivalent:
The new manager who gets blindsided by office politics
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to pause during crisis, identify information gaps, and seek knowledge from unexpected sources before making critical decisions.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel pressured to act immediately—instead, ask yourself what you don't know that could matter, then find one person or source who might have that information before proceeding.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"All night the chiefs before their vessels lay, And lost in sleep the labours of the day: All but the king"
Context: Describing how Agamemnon alone remains awake while his commanders sleep
This highlights the isolation and burden of ultimate leadership. While others can rest, the person in charge carries the weight of everyone's survival and cannot find peace.
In Today's Words:
Everyone else was sleeping off their exhaustion, but the boss was up all night worrying.
"As when by lightnings Jove's ethereal power Foretels the rattling hail, or weighty shower"
Context: Comparing Agamemnon's restless thoughts to approaching storms
This simile captures how anxiety feels like an approaching storm - you sense disaster coming but can't control it. It shows how worry can consume someone's mind.
In Today's Words:
His mind was racing like when you see storm clouds gathering and know bad weather is coming.
"Who volunteers for this desperate mission?"
Context: When the war council decides someone must spy on the Trojans
This moment reveals character through action. It separates those who talk from those who act when the stakes are highest.
In Today's Words:
Okay, who's actually going to step up and handle this dangerous situation?
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Intelligence Before Action
Gathering specific information before taking action dramatically improves outcomes compared to reacting from worry or rushing in blind.
Thematic Threads
Leadership
In This Chapter
Different leadership styles emerge under pressure—Agamemnon worries sleeplessly while Diomedes takes decisive action
Development
Continues the contrast between reactive and proactive leadership established in earlier chapters
In Your Life:
You might see this when some managers panic during crises while others gather information and make clear decisions.
Partnership
In This Chapter
Diomedes chooses Odysseus as his partner, combining courage with cunning for a dangerous mission
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when facing challenges that require both your strengths and someone else's complementary skills.
Information
In This Chapter
The entire chapter revolves around gathering and using intelligence—both sides send scouts to gain advantage
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might see this when you need to understand a situation fully before making important decisions at work or home.
Opportunity
In This Chapter
What starts as reconnaissance becomes a major victory when the Greeks discover vulnerable Thracian allies
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might experience this when gathering information reveals unexpected chances to improve your situation.
Class
In This Chapter
The contrast between noble warriors and the expendable scout Dolon reflects social hierarchies
Development
Continues the theme of social stratification present throughout the epic
In Your Life:
You might notice this in workplace dynamics where information flows differently based on position and perceived value.
Modern Adaptation
When Intel Saves Lives
Following Achilles's story...
Staff Sergeant Achilles sits in the FOB command tent at 0300, watching his CO pace frantically as enemy positions shift dangerously close to their outpost. While the brass argues about reinforcements that won't come for days, Achilles volunteers for a night reconnaissance mission with Martinez, the unit's best intelligence analyst. They know rushing in blind gets people killed. Instead of a direct assault, they capture an enemy scout during patrol rotation, extract crucial information about a supply convoy moving at dawn, and turn what could have been a defensive disaster into an offensive victory. The intel reveals the enemy's weakest point—their overextended supply line—allowing Achilles's team to strike where it hurts most. By morning, they've disrupted enemy logistics and bought their unit the breathing room needed to regroup. The mission succeeds because they gathered information first, then acted with precision rather than desperation.
The Road
The road Diomedes and Odysseus walked in ancient Troy, Achilles walks today in modern warfare. The pattern is identical: when crisis hits, information gathering separates successful missions from disasters.
The Map
This chapter provides a crisis navigation framework: pause to identify what you don't know, actively seek intelligence from unexpected sources, then use that knowledge to find opportunities others miss. Achilles can apply this whether planning military operations or navigating unit politics.
Amplification
Before reading this, Achilles might have charged into dangerous situations relying only on training and instinct. Now they can NAME the intelligence-first pattern, PREDICT how it creates better outcomes, and NAVIGATE crises by gathering information before acting.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Agamemnon lie awake worrying while Diomedes and Odysseus take action? What's the difference in how they handle the crisis?
analysis • surface - 2
How does gathering intelligence from Dolon change the Greeks' mission from simple scouting to a major victory? What does this reveal about the power of information?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about a time when you acted without enough information versus a time when you gathered facts first. How did the outcomes differ?
application • medium - 4
If you were facing a major challenge at work or home right now, what specific information would you need to gather before taking action? Who could you ask?
application • deep - 5
Why do some people freeze in worry during crises while others see opportunities? What separates reactive thinking from strategic thinking?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Intelligence Network
Think of a current challenge you're facing - at work, in a relationship, or with a major decision. Create a simple map of who knows what you need to know. Draw yourself in the center, then identify 3-5 people who have different pieces of information that could help you understand the situation better. Next to each name, write what specific knowledge they have and one question you could ask them.
Consider:
- •Don't just think of obvious experts - sometimes the person who's 'been there' has more useful insight than the person with the title
- •Consider what information you're assuming you already know - those assumptions might be wrong
- •Think about timing - who should you talk to first to get the foundation before talking to others?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you acted on incomplete information and later wished you had asked more questions first. What would you do differently now using the intelligence-gathering approach?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 11: Agamemnon's Glory and Wounded Pride
As the story unfolds, you'll explore leadership requires knowing when to step back for the greater good, while uncovering individual heroics can't sustain long-term success without teamwork. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.