Storm-footed Iris leapt into the dark sea and found Thetis in a hollow cave among the sea-goddesses, weeping for her son who would die far from home. Iris said Zeus called her. Thetis took a dark veil and went; the wave gave way around them.
On Olympus Athena yielded her place, and Hera put a golden cup in Thetis's hand. Zeus told her strife had risen for nine days about Hector's body. Go bid Achilles give Hector up for ransom. Zeus would send Iris to Priam to come alone with gifts, taking only an older herald to drive the mule-wagon and bring the dead home.
Thetis came to her son's shelter and found him still weeping while his comrades took their morning meal. She stroked him and asked how long he would eat his heart with grief, remembering neither food nor bed. Death and strong fate already stood near him.
Hear me, she said: Zeus and the gods are angry that you keep Hector by the ships. Release him and take ransom for the dead. Achilles answered that so be it — whoever brought the ransom might take the body, if the Olympian commanded it in earnest.
Meanwhile Zeus sent Iris to Ilios. Tell Priam, he said, go to the Achaean ships to ransom his son with gifts that will soften Achilles. He must go alone but for an older herald. Let him fear neither death nor terror; Hermes will guide him to Achilles, and Achilles will spare a suppliant.
Iris found Priam in the courtyard among his sons, his cloak wrapped close, dung from his grieving hands smeared on head and neck. In the house the women wailed for the many brave who lay dead to Argive hands. She spoke softly, yet trembling seized his limbs, and gave Zeus's command.