The paper begins by listing the main elements of the
poem which are completely unresolved at the end of book XXII of Homer's "Iliad". It then examines the funeral-games of Patroclus, at which Achilles seems to have put aside his rage and where the heroes can make a final appearance. Finally, the argument amongst the Gods and the bravery of Priam are considered and the human resolution of the poem is analysed.