The Odyssey Read-Along @ Plethora of Books
Book XV
Athene finds Telemachos with “the glorious
son of Nestor” and urges him to make his way back to Ithaka with haste and
without delay. She spins an
elaborate story about Penelope being ready to marry Eurymachos and tells him of
the ambush that awaits. Leaving, she
returns to Olympus and Telemachos
awakes Peisistratos to inform him of the urgently needed departure. Peisistratos counsels that they wait
until morning and when dawn comes, Telemachos informs Menelaos of their return
to Ithaka. While Menelaos claims
that he would never detain a guest if he wishes to go, he then proceeds to give
gifts and prepare a dinner for Telemachos. Patiently Telemachos bears the good will of his host, and before their parting a portent is spied, an eagle with a great white
goose in his talons that shoots by the right of their chariot. Menelaos begins to read the omen but
Helen interrupts, claiming that Odysseus will return and take revenge on the
suitors. On their journey, they
sleep overnight at the house of Diokles in Pherai but when Telemachos and
Peisistratos reach Pylos, Telemachos begs Peisistratos to make excuses to his
father for him not coming to take his leave so he can leave immediately. He claims brotherhood with the son of
Nestor, stemming from the love of their fathers and the common experience
shared on their recent journey.
Peisistratos agrees to attempt to placate his father and Telemachos
makes ready to leave, quite obviously a different, more assured Telemachos than
the one who first landed in Pylos.
He is approached by a stranger, Theoklymenos, who asks for passage on
his ship as he is being hunted, and Telemachos agrees to take him. Meanwhile, Odysseus is “making trial of
the swineherd, to see if he was truly his friend and would invite him to stay
on in his steading as he was, or would urge him to go to the city.” Odysseus asks for information about his
mother and father and then Eumaios relates the story of his life, how he was
stolen by Phoenician sailors and sold to Odysseus’ father Laertes. And as they converse, Telemachos lands
his ship on Ithaka and soon after, reaches the swineherd’s hut.
Faithfulness
The story of Eumaios is rather
touching. He grew up the son of a
king, yet he was stolen and then sold as a slave into the family of Odysseus. In spite of his superior status, he
worked faithfully all his life for the family, so much so that he claims
Odysseus’ mother treated him nearly as a son. In addition, Odysseus has been gone for 20 years and the
island has been leaderless.
Eumaios could have attempted to return to his homeland, yet instead he
faithfully discharged his duties to Odysseus and his family without complaint and
with tireless industry. He displays truly amazing constancy and loyalty.
Xenia and the Guest-Host Relationship
Too funny! Menelaos, when hearing of Telemachos' urgent need to depart,
says he would not dream of delaying him, but then does precisely that. And poor Telemachos must endure the
feasting and gifts even though he is desperate to leave. When he begs Peisistratos to make excuses
for his not stopping to thank Nestor, one can tell this is something of a
conundrum. Peisistratos “pondered
the thought within him, how he could fairly undertake this and see it
accomplished” and admits to Telemachos about his father, “how overbearing his
anger will be, and he will not let you go, but will come him himself to summon
you.” Telemachos wishes to
tactfully avoid part of the guest-host relationship and the responsibility and
respect he owes an elder but, as we can see, this is not an easy task to
accomplish.
Identity
We can see from Telemachos’ assured and
confident behaviour, that he has found his identity while visiting Pylos and
Laikdaemon and no longer needs constant support from Athene. His men follow his orders unquestioningly, and he has obviously grown into a respected leader.
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| Reunion of Odysseus and Telemachus Lucien Doucet (1880) |
Book XVI
Odysseus hears footsteps and in walks
Telemachos. Eumaios is thrilled to
see his master, kissing him and weeping.
Telemachos asks for news of his mother, as Odysseus rises to give him
his place, yet Telemachos bids him stay.
After eating, Telemachos asks Eumaois for information about the stranger (Odysseus), whereas Eumaios reveals that he will tell the “whole true story.” Telemachos is sorry that he cannot
treat the stranger as he deserves because of the situation in his home, but
instructs Eumaios to give him a mantel, tunic, sandals and a sword. Odysseus probes as to his inaction with
the suitors and Telemachos explains more of their troubles. Eumaios sets off to give a message to
Penelope that her son has arrived home and soon afterwards, Athene arrives with
her golden wand, transforming Odysseus back to himself, and Odysseus reveals
himself to his son. At first
Telemachos does not believe him but soon he is embracing his father. Odysseus relates the story of his
homecoming, then Telemachos gives his father information about the suitors as
they devise their fate. Odysseus
instructs Telemachos to return home and promises to show up there as an old
man, yet he entreats Telemachos not to do or say anything if he is abused by
the suitors. He instructs him to
hide all the weapons in the house in a inner chamber, except for the ones they will need and
to say nothing to anyone. Meanwhile,
both the herald from the ship and Eumaios arrive to tell Penelope of her son’s
presence on the island. The
suitors are disturbed by the news and plot Telemachos’ demise, only a few
refusing to take part. Penelope,
hearing of their plans, alternately scolds and pleads with them to prevent
their murder and Eurymachos assures her that nothing will happen to her son,
even though his heart is plotting otherwise. Athene turns Odysseus back into an old man as Eumaios arrive
back at the swineherd’s hut and Eumaios tells of seeing a fast vessel approaching
the harbour, so they now know that the suitors who had lain in ambush have
returned.
Deception
Deception, deception and more
deception. Oh, and a little less
too! What irony when Eumaios
initially tells of Odysseus’ “whole true story”, which really is not true at
all. Odysseus first of all
deceives his son with his identity but when Eumaios leaves, he reveals
himself. Penelope is still
deceiving the suitors and Eurymachos deceives her when he promises that he will
not harm Telemachos, nor let anyone else do so.
Identity
Telemachos is further establishing his
identity as his character strengthens.
It is obvious he is not the same hesitant boy who started out on the
voyage at the beginning of the poem.
His step is assured, his actions measured, and he even instructs his
father on how they should test the men and women of their household.
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