The Odyssey

Background:

Summary of events: [adapted from introduction to R. Lattimore's translation]

Odysseus spent 10 years fighting at Troy, and another 10 years getting home. During this
time, none of his family knew what had happened to him, and he lost all his ships, all his
men, and the spoils from Troy. After ten years, or in the tenth year, he was set down in his
own country, alone and secretly, though with a new set of possessions, by the Phaeacians
of Scheria, who were the last peoples he visited on his wanderings.
When he took ship for Troy, Od. left behind his wife, Penelope, and his infant son,
Telemachus. A few years before his return, the young bachelors of Od's kingdom, Ithaca
and surrounding islands, began paying court to Penelope. She was accomplished and
clever, still beautiful, an heiress and presumably a widow; but she clung to the hope that
Od. might come back, and held them off, without ever saying positively that she would
never marry again.
The suitors made themselves at home as uninvited guests in the palace of Od. Shortly
before the return of Od., Telemachus visited the mainland in search of news about his
father. He heard from Menelaus that Od. was alive but detained without means of return on
the island of Calypso. T. returned to Ithaca. The suitors set an ambush, meaning to murder
him, but he eluded them and reached Ithaca just after his father arrived.
The voyage of T., the arrival of Od., and the recognition and reunion of father and son, were
all supervised by Athena.
Father and son plotted the destruction of the suitors. Od. entered his own house
unrecognized, mingled with the suitors and talked with Penelope. He and T. contrived to
catch them unarmed and with the help of two loyal serving men (and of course Athena)
they slaughtered all 108 suitors. Penelope knew nothing of the plot; Od. revealed himself to
her after the fighting was over. The relatives of the dead suitors attacked the heroes on the
farm of Laertes, father of Od., and a battle began, but it was ended by Zeus and Athena,
who patched up a hasty reconciliation.
Death of Agamemnon:

It all begins at Aulis. The Greeks gather at Aulis before setting sail for Troy. Artemis is angry
at the Greeks and stills the wind, so that they cannot set sail. Consulting the seer Calchas,
Agamemnon learns that he must sacrifice his own daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the
goddess. He sends for Iphigenia (duping his wife Clytemnestra by telling her that Iphigenia
must come to marry Achilles), and sacrifices his daughter.
The Greeks now sail for Troy, and after a ten-year siege they take Troy under Agamemnon's
leadership. Meanwhile, back in Mycene, Aegisthus, Agamemnon's first cousin, has managed
to seduce Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's wife, and the two conspire to murder Agamemnon
on his return home. Aegisthus has the urge to revenge Agamemnon because in a dispute
over th kingship Agamemnon's father, Atreus, killed the children (except Aegisthus himself)
of Aegisthus' father, Thyestes; and then served these children as dinner to Thyestes. (Note
the feasting motif.)
When Agamemnon returns home, according to Homer's version, Aegisthus invites the
victorious king of kings and his men to a feast. At the feast itself, Aegisthus and his men
ambush Agamemnon, and kill him amongst the food and drink. Aegisthus and Clytemnestra
now become king and queen of Mycene.
Eight years later, Agamemnon's son Orestes, now come of age, returns to Mycene, and

avenges his father's death by killing both Aegisthus and Clytemnestra.

See esp. Odyssey, book 4, as told by Menelaus: but the story occurs many times, first on
the second page of the epic. For a fuller, and somewhat different, version of the tale, read
Aeschylus' play, the Agamemnon, and the follow-up plays, the Libation Bearers and
Eumenides: the trio go under the name of the Oresteia.
Book 1 Council of the gods. Athena visits and gives advice to Telemachus

Principal episodes:
Council of the gods. Zeus speaks of Orestes' murder of Aegisthus: note the theological
stance here.
Athena visits Ithaca disguised as Mentes (a stranger who does not again appear). Note
here the dynamics of receiving a stranger. What exactly does Athena advise
Telemachus?
The bard Phemius sings of the fall of Troy, and Penelope enters to quiet him. Telemachus
puts Penelope "in her place": what does this scene tell us? With what scene in the Iliad
does it seem to correspond?
Principal new characters:
Athena - familiar to you, but here she will assume a more active role as guide and helper
to Telemachus and Odysseus
Telemachus - son of Odysseus
Penelope - wife of Odysseus
Mentes - stranger in whose guise Athena appears to Telemachus
Antinous - One of the two leading (bad guy) suitors
Eurymachus - The other of the two leading (bad guy) suitors
Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Orestes - for a summary of this tale, see above
1-10 Prologue: Sing, Muse, of the wanderings of Odysseus. 11-25 Detention of Odysseus in
Calypso's isle.
26-79 Council of the gods: Athena, in Poseidon's absence, claims the protection of Zeus for
Odysseus.
80-95 Athena goes disguised (as Mentes) to Ithaca to see Telemachus. 96-143 The situation
at O's palace; 144-155 the suitors' attitude. 156-220 Telemachus converses with Athena,
and enquires about his father. 221-266 Athena complains of the presence of the suitors,
267-278 bids Telemachus dismiss them, 279-318 and counsels him to set out in search of
his father. 319-324 The goddess vanishes.
325-364 The song of Phemius attracts Penelope, who enters and finds her son strangely
masterful after Athena's words; Telemachus sends Penelope away. 365-382 Telemachus
bids the suitors take their leave; 383-420 Antinous retorts, and Eurymachus asks about
their guest who had just gone.
421-444 Telemachus goes to bed and thinks over Authena's advice.

Book 2 Ithacan Assembly. Departure of Telemachus

Principal episodes:
Telemachus calls the first assembly of elders since Odysseus left 9 years before, and
gives his first speech. (What does he do at the end of the speech? What scene from the
Iliad does that recall?)

Telemachus sets sail

Principal new characters:
Mentor (from whom we get our word) - to whom Telemachus was entrusted as a
guardian: in the guise of Mentor, Athena will travel with Telemachus
Eurycleia, Telemachus' nurse and Odysseus' faithful servant (she will be important later)
1-14 The meeting summoned by Telemachus. 15-34 Speech of Aegyptius. 35-79
Telemachus complains of the bad behavior of the suitors, and appeals to the people. 80-128
Antinous replies, blaming Penelope. 129-145 Telemachus replies, and invokes the aid of
Zeus. 146-176 Zeus sends a favorable omen, which Halitherses interprets favourably. 177207 Eurymachus replies scornfully. 208-228 Telemachus asks for a ship that he may seek
his father. 229-259 Mentor reproaches the people for disloyalty. 260-285 Athena appears in
answer to Telemachus' prayer, 286-297 and promises to accompany him.
298-336 Telemachus returns home, rebukes the taunting Antinous, 337-370 and bids
Eurycleia prepare provisions for his journey 371-381 under an oath of secrecy.
382-434 Athena procures and mans a ship, and they set sail together.

Book 3 Telemachus visits the court of Nestor in Pylos

Principal episodes:
Nestor receives Telemachus and Athena, disguised as Mentor. (Note the prayer by
Athena to Poseidon (!), and Nestor's version of the death of Agamemnon.)
Nestor sends Telemachus on to Sparta, accompanied by his son Pisistratus
Principal new characters:
Nestor (an old friend)
1-66 Telemachus arrives at Pylos; finds the Pylians engaged in sacrifice to Poseidon; is well
received. 67-101 At Nestor's request he reveals his name and mission.
102-200 Nestor recounts the sufferings of the greeks after the fall of Troy. 201-238
Telemachus despairs of the state of affairs in his home. 239-312 Nestor describes the
murder of Agamemnon. 312-330 He bids Telemachus to visit Menelaus.
331-345 Athena proposes that they should now take their leave. 346-370 Nestor would like
them to stay: so Telemachus remains. 371-403 Athena departs in the form of a bird; Nestor
vows her an offering.
404-474 Next morning the offering is made. 475-497 Telemachus and Peisistratus set out
for Sparta via Phersi.

Book 4 Telemachus visits the court of Menelaus in Sparta

Principal episodes:
Menelaus receives Telemachus. Helen's entrance. The drinking and drugs. Menelaus' tale
of the wooden horse. (Note how the strangers are received. Also, note how Menelaus
precludes the truth of his wife's tale by telling his tale of the horse. What does this tell
us about Helen? about the relationship between Helen and Menelaus? about the nature

of kingly discourse?)
Menelaus tells the tale of his long homecoming, and esp. of his encounter with Proteus.
The suitors plot to ambush and kill Telemachus on his way home. (Note that this part of
the plot will be left hanging until Book 15!)
Principal new characters:
Menelaus (an old friend)
Helen (ditto-- or at least an old acquaintance!)
Proteus, the "old man of the sea", able to change his form (we get our adjective
"protean" from this god)
1-119 Telemachus and Peisistratus reach Lacedaemon where they are welcomed by
Menelaus.
120-154 Helen recognizes Telemachus' likeness to Odysseus; 155-167 Peisistratus tells who
they are. 168-218 They all weep over old memories; 218-239 Helen puts a soothing drug in
their wine 240-264 and tells a story about Odysseus' courage. 265-305 Menelaus relates
the incident of the Wooden Horse; they go to bed.
306-331 Next day Telemachus asks for news of Odysseus. 332-350 Menelaus predicts the
destruction of the suitors 351-363 and tells the long story of his own homecoming: 364-440
how Eidothea helped him in Egypt; 441-592 how he encountered Proteus, who described
the homecomings of other Greek leaders. 593-624 Telemachus wishes to go home, but is
persuaded to stay longer.
625-674 The scene changes to Ithaca: the suitors hear of Telemachus' journey and plot to
ambush him on his way home.
675-741 Medon informs Penelope, who is much upset by the news. 742-777 Eurycleia
advises her to pray to Athena; she does so.
778-785 Preparations for the ship to ambush Telemachus.
787-841 Meanwhile Penelope falls asleep and is cheered by a dream sent by Athena.
842-847 The suitors station the ship to ambush Telemachus.

Book 5 Calypso's island. Odysseus leaves at last on a raft.

Principal episodes:
Hermes travels to Calypso's island to get her to release Odysseus. Odysseus builds a
raft. (Who is Calypso? What does she seem to represent? What does the relationship
here suggest about Odysseus?)
Poseidon sends a storm, and the shipwrecked Odysseus finally swims to land. (Why is
Poseidon so angry?)
Principal new characters:
Calypso = "the hidden one" in Greek - a nymph not known aside from the Odyssey
Poseidon, god of the sea
1-27 Athena in Olympus complains of the hard fate of Odysseus. 28-96 Zeus despatches
Hermes to Calypso's isle. 97-117 He bids her to release Odysseus. 118-148 Reluctantly the

goddess consents.
149-202 Calypso informs Odysseus, and bids him build a boat, 203-227 though she would
prefer that he stay.
228-261 The boat-building.
262-281 Odysseus starts from Ogygia. 282-332 Poseidon sees him, raises a storm and
wrecks him. 333-381 Leucothea pities him, and gives him her headress for a life-buoy.
382-387 Athena stills the storm. 388-440 Odysseus sights land, but finds the coast too
dangerous, 441-473 till he swims up the mouth of the river, 474-493 where he lands; and
makes a bed of leaves under a thicket.

Book 6 Nausicaa plays ball. Odysseus' arrival among the Phaeacians.

Principal episodes:
The Phaeacian princess Nausicaa goes to do her wash, plays ball, and finds a naked man
on the beach, whom she brings home
Principal new characters:
Scheria (place), Phaeacians (people): a "never-never" land with a princess and magic
ships, otherwise unknown in the Greek tradition
Nausicaa, nubile princess of the Phaeacians
1-47 Athena appears in a dream to Nausicaa. 48-84 Nausicaa gets leave from her father
and starts for the washing-tanks. 85-109 The washing of the linen and the ball-play.
110-148 Odysseus wakes at the cry of the maidens, 149-185 and comes forward and
addresses Nausicaa. 186-254 She answers him kindly and supplies his wants.
255-315 Nausicaa brings Odysseus with her, but bids him enter the city alone. 316-331
When they reach the city, Odysseus stops in the grove of Athena.

Book 7 Odysseus arrives at the palace of Acinous.

Principal episodes:
Odysseus enters the palace and supplicates Arete: he is received in friendly wise by the
king and queen, and welcomed (note the feast)
Principal new characters:
Alcinous, stately king of the Phaeacians
Arete, queen of the Phaeacians
1-13 Nausicaa reaches her home.
14-47 Odysseus is met by Athena in the form of a young girl. 48-77 She directs him to the
house of Alcinous.
78-132 Description of the palace and gardens of Alcinous.
133-166 Odysseus appears in the midst and supplicates Arete. 167-185 Alcinous raises him
from the hearth and sets food before him, 186-236 promising on the morrow to see about

his convoy home.

237-307 Odysseus tells how he had come to Scheria.
308-333 Alcinous promises him his convoy for the morrow, 334-347 and all retire for the
night.

Book 8 Demodocus sings of Odysseus and Achilles. The games. The song of the wooden horse.

Principal episodes:
The singer Demodocus sings of the strife of Odysseus and Achilles, and Od. weeps.
(Note how the singer is introduced: what is his social status? what is the social function
of the singing?)
The games: Odysseus, challenged, beats them all
Demodocus sings the story of Aphrodite's "affair" with Ares, and Hephaestus'
punishment
Demodocus sings of the wooden horse
Finally, Alcinous asked Odysseus, "Who are you" and Od. agrees to tell his tale (Note
that books 9-12 are the tale of Odysseus, not in the voice of the narrator!)
Principal new characters:
Demodocus, the "bard" (professional singer) of the court of Alcinous
Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus (old friends-- well, sort of)
1-45 Alcinous calls an assembly, and proposes to send Odysseus home. 46-61 A ship is
manned, and the chieftains meet at the palace.
62-72 The bard Demodocus is brought in, 73-82 and sings of the strife of Odysseus and
Achilles. 83-103 The story moves Odysseus to tears.
104-144 The games. 145-157 Laodamas challenges Odysseus to the contest. 158-164
Euryalus taunts him for refusing. 165-201 Odysseus, in wrath, starts up and hurls the disc
beyond all the rest, 202-235 and in his turn challenges all the Phaeacian youth.
236-265 Alcinous shows how well his people can dance.
266-368 Demodocus sings of the loves of Ares and Aphrodite.
369-386 Halius and Laodamas dance and throw the ball.
387-448 Presents are made to Odysseus, which he stows in a box, 449-498 then he bathes,
and, after a kind word to Nausicaa, joins the banqueters.
499-520 Decmodocus sings of the wooden horse. 521-549 Odysseus weeps at the story,
and Alcinous bids the bard to cease, 550-586 and questions Odysseus about himself.

Book 9 Odysseus' story: Lotus Eaters; Cyclops.

Principal episodes:
Cicones: Od. sacks their city, and loses men in a counterattack
Lotus Eaters (Lotophagi): a land of drugged forgetfulness, the first stop in the "nevernever land" to the West
Cyclops: know this story (and its implications) thoroughly!

Principal new characters:

Cicones, the last historical people Odysseus meets on his journey
Polyphemus, a cyclops, and child of Poseidon
1-38 Odysseus reveals his name and home.
39-61 Story of the departure from Ilium: sack of Ismarus, and revenge of the Cicones.
62-104 The North wind drives them on the coast of the Lotophagi.
105-151 They land on the uninhabited isle off the coast of the Cyclopes.
152-215 Odysseus with twelve comrades sets out for the cave where the Cyclops lived.
216-251 They enter the cave and await his return. 252-286 Cyclops puts questions which
Odysseus parries. 287-346 Cyclops devours six of the men, two at a time. Odysseus plots
revenge. 347-402 Odysseus, having made Cyclops drunk, puts out his eye. 403-414 The
trick of "No-man." 415-461 Preparations for escape. 462-479 Odysseus rescues his
companions and they reach the shore. 480-542 Cyclops nearly crushes the ship twice with
a huge rock.
543-566 They rejoin their comrades and resume their voyage.

Book 10 Island of Aeolus. Laestrygonians. Circe.

Principal episodes:
Aeolus entertains Odysseus and gives him the bag of winds. Od's men untie the bag
while he is asleep, but Aeolus will not help further.
Laestrygonians: cannibals. Note that Od. loses all but one ship of his fleet here.
Aeaea, the island of Circe, the enchantress-witch. Circe turns Od's men into swine.
Odysseus outwits her with the help of the moly given him by Hermes. A year of happy,
drugged forgetfulness.
Principal new characters:
Aeolus
Laestrygonians
Aeaea, island of Circe (in Greek, means "oh woe!")
Circe
Hermes, as the trickster god
1-19 The floating isle of Aeolus. 20-46 The winds tied up in a bag. 47-79 The bag is opened
by the crew, and the ship blown back to the isle.
80-132 The Laestrygones.
133-155 Aeaea, the isle of Circe. 156-202 Odysseus slays a huge stag as food for his crew.
203-243 Eurylochus is sent forward with twenty-two men, who are turned into swine by
Circe. 244-273 Eurylochus brings the bad news to Odysseus.
274-280 Odysseus goes alone to Circe's house. 281-319 Hermes meets him and gives an
antidote against Circe's spells. 320-392 Circe's spell fails. 393-405 The comrades of
Odysseus resume their human shape. 406-482 Odysseus brings the rest of his comrades to
Circe's palace.

483-574 Odysseus would like to depart, and Circe tells him of his voyage to the land of
Hades.

Book 11 Nekyia (journey to the underworld)

Principal episodes:
Journey to the underworld: rites, blood, sword (how does he manage the ghosts?)
Principal ghosts and their stories: Elpenor; Teiresias; Anticleia (Odysseus' mother);
Agamemnon; Ajax
Principal new characters:
Nekyia (=Nekuia): know this term
For principal ghosts, see list above
1-22 The fair wind brings them to the Cimmerians' land.
23-50 The ghosts come up from Hades to drink the blood of the victims. 51-89 The ghost of
Elpenor. 90-151 The ghost of Teiresias reveals to Odysseus his further trials and the manner
of his death.
152-224 Next comes the ghost of Anticleia, mother of Odysseus. 225-234 The ghosts of
famous women, wives and daughters of heroes. 235-259 Tyro. 260-265 Antiope. 266-270
Alcmena and Megara. 271-280 Epicasta. 281-297 Chloris. 298-362 Leda, Iphimedeia and
many others.
363-384 Alcinous asks if the ghosts of the Trojan heroes appeared. 385-470 Odysseus tells
how he saw Agamemnon and learned his fate. 471-540 Odysseus talks with the ghost of
Achilles. 541-567 The ghost of Ajax turns away in angry silence. 568-600 The ghosts of
Minos, Orion, Tantalus and Sisyphus. 601-626 THe ghost of Heracles.
627-640 Odysseus retires fearing he might see the Gorgon's head.

Book 12 Sirens. Scylla and Charybdis. Cattle of Helius. Calypso's island.

Principal episodes:
Sirens: how do they escape this danger? what is the nature of the danger?
Scylla (6 headed female monster) and Charybdis (whirlpool female monster):
Cattle of Helios: why is it that Od's men defy him and eat the divine cattle? How does
Od. lose the rest of his men?
Shipwrecked on Calypso's island (ring composition)
Principal new characters:
Sirens
Scylla (6 headed female monster)
Charybdis (whirlpool female monster)
Helios, sun god
1-36 Return to Aeaea and burial of Elpenor.
37-46 Circe tells Odysseus of the dangers that beset his voyage: 47-54 how he must avoid
the Sirens, 55-72 and the perils of the passage by the Planctae. 73-126 She tells him of the

passage between Scylla and Charybdis. 127-141 and of the Thrinacian isle, and the herds
of Helios.
142-164 Odysseus sets sail with his comrades.
165-200 They reach the Sirens' coast, and Odysseus hears their song unharmed.
201-233 The surf and the smoke at the Planctae. 234-244 The strait between Scylla and
Charybdis. 245-259 Scylla's attack.
260-323 Arrival at the Thrinacian isle. 324-376 Weather-bound and half-famished, they
slaughter the cows of Helios. 377-402 Helios demands vengeance, which Zeus promises.
403-425 Storm and shipwreck of Odysseus, 426-446 who is drifted back to the terrible
strait.
447-453 Arrival at Calypso's isle.

Book 13 Departure from the Phaeacians. Arrival at Ithaca. Athena's advice.

Principal episodes:
Phaeacians transport Odysseus to Ithaca with many treasures.
Odysseus, greeted by Athena, tells the first of his Cretan tales. (What does this tell us
about the nature of his storytelling? How does that reflect on books 9-12?!)
Principal new characters:
(none)
1-35 The scene is laid in the court of Alcinous. Fresh presents are bestowed upon Odysseus.
36-92 He bids them farewell, and goes on shipboard.
93-124 He is landed, in a deep sleep, at the harbor of Phorcys, in Ithaca.
125-145 Poseidon, offended at the safe landing of Odysseus, appeals to Zeus, 146-187 who
suffers him to turn to stone the homeward-bound Phaeacian ship.
188-220 Odysseus wakes, but his eyes were holden, that he should not know his native
land.
221-252 Athena appears to him in the form of a shepherd, and tells him that he is in Ithaca.
253-286 Odysseus answers deceitfully, pretending to be a Cretan fugitive. 287-343 Athena
laughingly discloses herself, and promises him her aid and counsel. 344-360 He is
convinced that he has reached home, and he greets the nymphs. 361-391 Athena helps
him to hide his treasures, and counsels him how to destroy the suitors. 392-440 She then
changes him into the likeness of a beggar, while she goes to Sparta to fetch Telemachus.

Book 14 Arrival at Eumaeus' hut.

Principal episodes:
Odysseus goes in disguise to the hut of the swineherd Eumaeus. He tells the second of
his Cretan tales. (Note Eumaeus' reaction to this tale!)
Principal new characters:

Eumaeus, the loyal swineherd

1-28 Odysseus visits the hut of Eumaeus the swineherd. 29-79 The dogs set upon him, but
Eumaeus rescues him, leads him in and entertains him.
80-114 He tells Odysseus of the reckless insolence of the suitors. 115-147 Odysseus hints
that the master may still be alive, but Eumaeus is hopeless. 148-164 Odysseus re-iterates
his belief with an oath. 165-190 But Eumaeus despairs of his master's fate, and fears for
the safety of Telemachus.
191-198 Questioned by his host, Odysseus tells a story of himself and his wanderings. 199234 "I am a Cretan, Castor's son, devoted to the arts of war. 235-261 "I joined in the Trojan
war, and afterwards made a voyage to Egypt. 262-286 "My comrades fell in a foray, and I
threw myself on the mercy of the King. 287-313 "But I was tempted away from Egypt by a
designing Phoenician trader. 314-335 "Wrecked upon the Thesprotian coast I heard that
Odysseus had lately been there, and had left his treasures with the King, while he went to
Dodona. 336-359 "As I wailed thence, the crew would have sold me for a slave, but when
their ship touched at Ithaca, I escaped, as you see."
360-389 Eumaeus disbelieves him, having been misled by such stories before. 390-456
Odysseus will stake his life on the truth of his words; but Eumaeus refuses to listen, and his
him to supper.
457-533 Odysseus, by telling a story, gives a broad hint that he would like a warm wrap.

Book 15 Telemachus returns home. His arrival at Eumaeus' hut.

Principal episodes:
Finally we rejoin the action left hanging at the end of book 4, as Telemachus returns and
avoids the ambush of the suitors: note the narrative convergence!
Telemachus returns to Ithaca, going through Pylos, where he picks up the seer
Theoclymenus as a companion.
Principal new characters:
Theoclymenus, the seer
1-26 Athena visits Telemachus in Sparta, urges him to return home, 27-63 and shows him
how to avoid the ambush of the suitors.
64-159 He bids farewell to Menelaus, who speeds the parting guest with kind words and
rich presents. 160-181 As they start, an omen presents itself to them, which Helen interprets.
182-194 Telemachus and Peisistratus reach Pherae that same evening, and Pylos on the
morrow. 195-221 There Telemachus parts from Peisistratus, and joins his comrades at the
ship.
222-278 At this moment comes the seer Theoclymenus, praying to be taken aboard. 279300 Telemachus takes him on board and they sail home, avoiding the ambush of the
suitors.
301-339 Odysseus is unwilling to tax the hospitality of Eumaeus any further; but his host

bids him stay. 340-388 Odysseus asks about Laertes and Anticleia, and learns from
Eumaeus of the sad changes in the household.
389-414 Eumaeus tells his own story, how he came to be sold as a slave: 415-492 how his
nurse, tempted by traders from her own home, carried him off.
493-524 Arrival of Telemachus in Ithaca. 525-557 A favorable omen greets him, which is
interpreted by Theoclymenus.

Book 16 Recognition by Telemachus.

Principal episodes:
Telemachus and Odysseus meet at Eumaeus' hut. Odysseus, magically transformed by
Athena from beggar to king, is recognized as father by his son.
Principal new characters:
We remeet the principal suitors, Antinous & Eurymachus
1-67 Telemachus is lovingly welcomed by Eumaeus. He asks who the stranger is; 68-111
and regrets that he can not take him to the palace because of the violence of the suitors,
112-129 and he answers O'dysseus expressions of indignation, by showing how helpless he
is.
130-153 Eumaeus is to carry to Penelope the news of her son's arrival. 154-189 Athena
appears, touches Odysseus with her wand, and transforms him from a beggar to a prince.
190-234 Telemachus, after a moment of amaze and doubt, recognizes his father. 235-320
Father and son consult together as to the best means of taking vengeance on the suitors.
321-341 A herald, coming from the ship to announce the arrival of Tele- machus, meets
Eumaeus, and they deliver their message together. 342-408 The suitors, foiled in their plot,
devise new plans.
409-451 Penelope taxes Antinous with base ingratitude; but Eurymachus cajoles her with
false professions of loyalty.
452-481 Eumaeus returns; meanwhile Odysseus has resumed the appearance of a beggar.

Book 17 Telemachus arrives at the palace. Eumaeus bring Odysseus to the palace.

Principal episodes:
Telemachus arrives at the palace, and Theoclymenus the seer declares that Od. is now
almost at hand (Note: the first of the many prophecies and omens that increasingly
infuse these next books with a feeling of doom for the suitors)
Odysseus arrives: the Argos episode (why this? in what ways does it set up themes or
moods, or prefigure later events?)
Odysseus begs the assembled gents, and is ill treated by Antinous; Penelope curses
Antinous for his treatment of the stranger (note the emphasis on Antinous; and the
theme of hospitality inverted, to be punished by the gods)
Principal new characters:
Argos, Odysseus' old dog (20 years!)
Melanthius, the bad goatherd who abuses Odysseus in his guise as beggar

1-27 Telemachus starts for the town, and bids that his guest be conducted there also.
28-83 Telemachus is joyfully welcomed by his mother and her household. 84-150
Telemachus brings Theoclymenus into the palace, and tells his mother of his journey. 151165 Theoclymenus, the seer, declares that even now Odysseus is not far off.
166-183 Meanwhile the suitors are still sporting and feasting in the palace of Odysseus.
184-203 Eumaeus comes to the town accompanied by the disguised Odysseus. 204-263
Melanthius, the goatherd, meets and jeers them, and spurns Odysseus with his foot.
264-335 Odysseus affects to admire the splendor of his own palace. He waits outside while
Eumaeus enters. 336-373 By and by Odysseus enters, and Telemachus sends food to him
and bids him ask a dole of the suitors.
374-391 High words pass between Antinous and Eumaeus. 392-413 Telemachus draws the
anger of Antinous upon himself. 414-461 Odysseus asks a dole of Antinous, and is repulsed
with taunts. 462-491 Antinous hurls a stool at Odysseus, whose protest touches even the
suitors with shame. 492-506 Penelope imprecates the wrath of heaven on the cruelty of
Antinous.
507-540 She then bids Eumaeus to call Odysseus to her, in the hope that she may hear
some tidings of her lord. 541-559 Telemachus gives a happy omen by sneezing loudly. 560588 Odysseus wisely defers the audience till they are alone in the evening.
589-606 Eumaeus returns to his hut.

Book 18 Odysseus' fight with Irus. Abuse of Odysseus by handmaidens and suitors.

Principal episodes:
Irus and Odysseus fight (what's the effect of this scene on our view of (a) Odysseus? (b)
Antinous? (c) the idea of the hero?)
Grand entrance of the lovely Penelope: now that T. is of age, she will at last wed, but
first she must get some gifts! (why this now of all times? what about the gifts: is she
being mercenary?)
Odysseus and Eurymachus argue, and E. throws a stool at him (just like Antinous: it
marks as a dead man!)
Principal new characters:
Irus (born Antaeus), the rival beggar
Amphinomus: a "good" suitor, warned by Odysseus, but marked to die by Athena
1-33 The vagabond Irus insults Odysseus, who sternly warns him to beware. 34-111
Antinous sets them to fight, and Odysseus disables Irus with one blow. 112-157 As the
suitors hail him victor, he tries in vain to warn Amphinomus of the coming vengeance.
158-213 Counselled by Athena, Penelope decks herself and appears before the suitors. 314243 Entering the hall she chides Telemachus for the rough treatment which the stranger
had received. 244-273 Eurymachus praises her beauty, and while she bewails her
widowhood, she hints that she may marry again. 274-283 She wonders how her "suitors"
can waste her store, instead of trying to win her with gifts. 284-303 They feel the reproach,
and bestow costly presents upon her.

304-336 Odysseus offers to tend the fire for the maidens, but they laugh at him, and
Melantho taunts him bitterly. 337-348 Odysseus retorts, and scares the maidens with his
terrible threats.
349-404 Eurymachus, stung by the boldness of O's words, hurls a stool at him, which
strikes the cupbearer. 405-428 Telemachus seeks to calm the tumult, and induces the
suitors to go to their homes for the night.

Book 19 Meeting of Penelope and Odysseus. Recognition by Eurycleia.

Principal episodes:
Odysseus and Penelope have a conversation (Wow! finally! pay attention to the
dynamics of their very delicate interaction: see class notes)
The nurse Eurycleia recognizes Od. by his scar (note that she seems to already know
him, more or less, and to be confirming the recognition by feeling for the scar: why is the
long episode of the hunt introduced here-- what effect does it have? what does it tell us
about Odysseus and what kind of man he is?)
Penelope: (a) relates her sorrow to that of Procne (see class notes); (b) has a strange
dream of geese (ditto)
Principal new characters:
Eurycleia, the nurse, in a prominent passage
Melantho, the bad handmaiden who sleeps with Eurymachus: note that her name means
"the dark one", and is the feminine equivalent of the bad goatherd Melanthius
53-69 Penelope and her maidens enter the hall, and Melantho once more taunts Odysseus.
70-103 He retorts with threats, and Penelope adds a stern rebuke.
104-122 Penelope prays Odysseus to tell of himself and his family, to which he demurs;
123-163 but she laments her own hard lot, and presses him to tell her who he is. 164-202
he therefore feigns himself to be a Cretan of Gnossus, and declares that he once
entertained Odysseus, on his voyage to Troy. 203-260 He startles Penelope by describing
the very dress of her husband, and the appearance of his herald. 261-316 and he declares
on oath that Odysseus is safe and will ere long come home again.
317-334 Penelope desires that her guest may be well lodged and entertained; 335-348 but
he refuses it all, nor will he suffer any of the maidens to wash his feet.
349-385 The old nurse Eurycleia willingly gives her services to one who reminds her so of
her master. 386-427 As she washes him she recognizes a scar, where a boar had torn him;
428-466 as he was hunting on Parnassus with his grandsire Autolycus. 467-502 Odysseus is
just in time to stop Eurycleia's cry of joy.
503-553 Penelope confides to Odysseus her misgivings and her strange dream. 554-587
Odysseus interprets the dream favorably, but Penelope still doubts, and desires to put an
end to the wooing of the suitors by a decisive test.
588-604 Penelope then seeks her chamber and sleeps.

Book 20 Preparation for the slaughter.

Principal episodes:

More omens, more bad behavior by the suitors, and more spine shown by Telemachus:
all is ready now
Principal new characters:
(none)
1-27 Odysseus, lying sleepless, sees with indignation the light conduct of the palacemaidens.
28-55 Then Athena appears to him, encourages him, and gives him sleep; 56-97 but
Penelope wakes and cries, longing for death, till Odysseus hears her lamentation. 98-123 In
answer to the prayer of Odysseus a double omen comes to encourage him.
124-161 Telemachus wakes and enquires after his guest. The banquet hall is made ready
against the feast of the New Moon.
162-184 Enter Eumaeus and Melanthius: the latter once more insults Odysseus. 185-239
But Philoitius, the neatherd, speaks kindly to the stranger, expressing his love of Odysseus.
240-256 A warning omen prevents the suitors from slaying Telemachus.
257-283 Telemachus protects Odysseus at the banquet and defies the suitors. 284-302
During the feast Ctesippus hurls a missile at Odysseus, but misses. 303-344 Telemachus is
justly indignant, and Agelaus tries to appease him.
345-386 The suitors, distraught by Athena, laugh at the boding prophecy of Theoclymenus;
then they turn him from the house. 387-394 Penelope sits listening to all the insulting
words of the suitors.
Book 21 Drawing of the bow.

Principal episodes:
The contest of the bow (why a bow? what does the introduction of this contest do to how
we see Odysseus?)
Principal new characters:
(none, but be able to recognize the name of Philoetius, the cowherd loyal to Odysseus
who with Eumaeus lends critical assistance to hero and son)
1-79 Penelope brings out from her storehouse the bow of Odysseus and challenges the
suitors to a test of prowess. 80-100 Antinous scorns Eumaeus for weeping at the sight of
his master's bow.
101-123 Telemachus incites the suitors to the trial, and sets up the axes. 124-143 Then he
takes the bow to show his skill, but a look from his father makes him desist.
144-166 Leiodes the prophet first tries to string the bow, and failing, utters some dark
forebodings. 167-187 Antinous rebukes him for his words; and tries to make the bow supple
by heat, but in vain.
188-244 Interview of Odysseus with Philoetius and Eumaeus proves their loyalty and
secures their services.
245-273 Eurymachus fails like the rest, and Antinous induces them to put off further trial till

the morrow.
274-310 Odysseus, begging to try the bow, draws upon himself the wrath of the suitors.
311-358 Penelope protests, and claims fair treatment for their guest. 359-387 Eumaeus
brings the bow and arrows to his master; and bids Eurycleia to keep all the women in their
rooms. 388-392 Meanwhile Philoetius makes fast the doors of the hall.
393-411 Odysseus deftly handles the bow, and at the first shot sends his arrow through the
axes. 412-434 The suitors are aghast, and Zeus signifies his approval by a clap of thunder.
Telemachus stand ready for resistance at his father's side.

Book 22 Slaughter of the suitors.

Principal episodes:
Slaughter of the suitors: who goes first? who second? and --importantly!-- who third?
what about the help of Athena? is this a fair fight?! who is spared?
Punishment and hanging of the handmaidens; mutilation of Melanthius the goatherd
Purging and cleansing of the house
Principal new characters:
(none)
1-43 Odysseus shoots down Antinous, and reveals himself to the terrified suitors. 44-88
Eurymachus tries in vain to make terms; then he rushes upon Odysseus, but fails pierced
with an arrow. 89-125 Telemachus, having slain Amphinomus, brings arms for his father,
himself, and their two herdsmen.
126-204 Melanthius tries to steal into the storehouse to get arms. He is caught there and
left fast bound.
205-254 Athena appears in the form of Mentor, kindles the courage of Odysseus; and then
takes the shape of a swallow and sits on the rafter. 255-309 Athena diverts the spears from
Odysseus and his friends, and scares the suitors by raising her aegis before them.
310-329 Leiodes supplicates in vain for mercy.
330-355 But Phemius, the minstrel, is spared, Telemachus interceding for him, 356-392 and
for the herald Medon.
393-434 Odysseus summons Eurycleia to the hall, and makes her send in the disloyal
women, 435-456 who are made to take their part in carrying out the corpses and cleansing
the hall.
457-473 Twelve of the women are hanged in the courtyard, 474-480 and Melanthius is
ruthlessly mutilated.
481-501 Odysseus having purged the hall with sulphur, bids Penelope and her faithful
women, to come to him there.

Book 23 Penelope recognizes Odysseus.

Principal episodes:
Penelope is told of the slaughter and Odysseus' return, but is slow to believe the truth
after so many lies: P. and Od. finally reunite (why all the hesitation? is P. really cold, as

Od. suggests? what is the "test" that P. now sets for Od.?)
Note: some ancient and modern scholars believe that the "original" Odyssey ended at
line 23.296! (Why?)
Od. tells P. of his future (as prophesized by Teiresias), and of his exploits during the 10
years of his wanderings (what does he include, what does he leave out, in this account?)
Principal new characters:
(none)
1-84 Eurycleia wakes Penelope and tells her of the arrival of Odysseus and the slaughter of
the suitors; but she cannot believe the tale.
85-95 Penelope enters the hall, and sits long silent, doubtful whether the stranger can
really be her lord. 96-116 Telemachus chides her slowness of heart to believe.
117-152 Odysseus orders that the household keep high festival, that the slaughter of the
suitors may not yet be known.
153-180 Odysseus, clad in royal raiment, returns to his wife and chides her coldness. 181262 Convinced at last by his knowledge of his own secret chamber, that it is really
Odysseus, she throws herself into his arms.
263-299 Odysseus recounts the prophecy of Teiresias as to his futher wanderings, 300-349
and husband and wife spend the night in telling each other of what they had undergone.
350-372 Next morning Odysseus gives up the care of the house to his wife, and bids her
remain indoors while he visits Laertes.

Book 24 Recognition by Laertes. Combat and truce.

Principal episodes:
(See note above as to whether this entire book was really part of the "original" Odyssey)
The suitors in Hades meet ... Agamemnon! (who else?)
Odysseus visits his father Laertes, to whom he tells his last tale ... but then finally also
the truth
Kin and friends of the suitors march against Odysseus, but Athena intervenes and makes
peace (is this a satisfying ending?)
Principal new characters:
Laertes, Odysseus' father, whom we finally meet
1-23 Hermes conducts to Hades the souls of the suitors. They meet there with Achilles and
other heroes.
24-101 Agamemnon is telling Achilles of the splendid funeral that did him honor, and
contrasting it with his own dismal murder. 102-190 Agamemnon learns from the soul of
Amphimedon about the slaying of the suitors. 191-204 He lauds the constancy of Penelope
and contrasts it with the faithlessness of Clytemnestra.
205-243 Visit of Odysseus to Laertes.
244-314 Odysseus invents a story which brings home to Laertes many thoughts about his
son. 315-385 The old man utterly breaks down, and Odysseus embracing him discloses

himself.
386-412 Joy of Dolius, the old slave of Lertes, at recognizing the lost Odysseus.
413-425 News reaches the city of the slaying of the suitors.
426-462 Threatening language of Eupeithes, father of Antinous, 463-491 who carries the
day against Medon and Haitherses, and leads the men of Ithaca in arms to the palace of
Odysseus.
492-519 Dolius announces their approach, and Odysseus goes out to meet them with
Telemachus and Laertes. 520-533 Laertes slays Eupeithes, and a general slaughter would
have followed, 534-548 had not Athena intervened and made peace between the
combatants.