In book
11, Odysseus and his men sail to Oceanus, where they proceed to make sacrifices in order to meet
the shades of death. After Odysseus speaks with the shade of Teiresias, who instructs him to
leave Helios's cattle unharmed, he meets the shade of Achilles. Odysseus initially attempts to
comfort Achilles by commenting on his revered legacy, but Achilles responds by saying that he
would rather be a slave than remain among the dead. Achilles then asks Odysseus about his family
and comments on his desire to defend his father against people who disrespect Peleus's
home.
Odysseus responds by telling Achilles that his son, Neoptolemus,
fought bravely in battle and played a significant role in their victory over Troy. After
Achilles listens to Odysseus elaborate on his son's exploits, his shade swiftly moves away,
rejoicing and celebrating his son. Through Odysseus's interaction with Achilles, he discovers
that the underworld is an awful place where comfort and pleasure do not exist. From...
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