Part III: Lines 701-1100
Summary:
Neoptolemus has just agreed to bring Philoctetes with him on the boat when a sailor and merchant appear warning him to sail away quickly. The merchant explains that Odysseus and Diomedes have sworn an oath to bring back Philoctetes because of a prophecy made by Helenus, son of Priam. According to the prophecy, which was made after Odysseus used trickery to capture and tie up Helenus, the Greeks will never be able to conquer Troy unless they persuade Philoctetes to come back and help them.
After hearing the warning, Philoctetes is ready to leave but Neoptolemus says he wants to wait on the wind. While Philoctetes is getting an herb from his cave for his foot, Neoptolemus is granted permission to hold Philoctetes' sacred bow, which has never been held by any other man. When they come out of the cave, Philoctetes is screaming in agony from the pain in his foot and finally gives Neoptolemus the bow. Meanwhile, Philoctetes collapses in a fit and falls asleep.
Neoptolemus has just agreed to bring Philoctetes with him on the boat when a sailor and merchant appear warning him to sail away quickly. The merchant explains that Odysseus and Diomedes have sworn an oath to bring back Philoctetes because of a prophecy made by Helenus, son of Priam. According to the prophecy, which was made after Odysseus used trickery to capture and tie up Helenus, the Greeks will never be able to conquer Troy unless they persuade Philoctetes to come back and help them.
After hearing the warning, Philoctetes is ready to leave but Neoptolemus says he wants to wait on the wind. While Philoctetes is getting an herb from his cave for his foot, Neoptolemus is granted permission to hold Philoctetes' sacred bow, which has never been held by any other man. When they come out of the cave, Philoctetes is screaming in agony from the pain in his foot and finally gives Neoptolemus the bow. Meanwhile, Philoctetes collapses in a fit and falls asleep.