Classical Carousel: The Odyssey Read-Along Book XVII & XVIII

The Odyssey Read-Along @ Plethora of Books

Book XVII

Telemachos arrives home and Penelope bursts into tears when she beholds her beloved son. Telemachos begs her not to "stir up a scene of sorrow" and as he walks through the palace, Athene "drifts an enchantment of grace upon him." The suitors appear to welcome him, while all the while planning his destruction, but Telemachos avoids them. Peiraios, brings the guest from the ship, and speaks to Telemachos about bringing the gifts from Menelaos, but Telemachos bestows the gifts upon him and ensures that the stranger is treated well. Telemachos relates his travels to Penelope and the portents for the destruction of the suitors and the return of Odysseus, whereupon the stranger, Theoklymenos, supports Telemachos' story with confirmation of the omen. The suitors are amusing themselves before they turn to feasting, and Odysseus starts out for his home, on the way meeting Melanthios who is driving his goats and who taunts Odysseus with words indicating his sympathy with the suitors. He tries to knock Odysseus down but is resisted, and they exchange heated words before Melanthios leaves for the palace to sit with his favourite, Eurymachos. When the two reach the palace, Odysseus bids Eumaios to go inside while he waits outside, yet his dog, Argos, recognizes his master after 19 years (wow, a nineteen-year-old dog!). Telemachos immediately spies Eumaios, gives him some food to take to “the stranger” and asks that "the stranger" beg from the other suitors as well. Antinoös chastises Eumaios for bringing "the stranger" and Telemachos chides both of them. When Odysseus reaches Antinoös, he compliments him to get a bigger portion, then spins an elaborate story. Antinoös becomes angry with him, they have words and Antinoös hurls a footstool at Odysseus, striking him on the right shoulder. Not only Odysseus protests but so do the others, concerned that they are not showing the proper guest-host relationship, as one never knows if one is entertaining a man or a god in disguise. Penelope hears of the intemperate treatment of “the stranger” and summons him to her but Odysseus says he will come to her after the sun has set. Eumaios returns to his pigs but Telemachos instructs him to return in the morning.

Know Your Enemies

Telemachos cleverly advises his father to go begging from each of the suitors. This act ensures that Odysseus will have better knowledge of his enemies when the time comes to strke. It is interesting to note that Athene must prompt Odysseus to go begging, perhaps evidence that the ruler of Ithaka’s pride has not been completely subdued, even if it means gaining the upper hand.

Self-Control

Odysseus, on his way, is able to practice his self-control before he reaches the suitors. He does not react to Melanthios’ striking him, and even holds his temper against further verbal abuse. This practice allows him to control his anger against Antinoös when he reaches the palace, when Antinoös strikes him with a footstool. I can imagine that the anger is building inside him and the suitors will pay horribly for their rash actions.

Sneezes

What is the implication of Telemachos’ sneezes?

Odysseus Recognized by his Dog
Theodoor van Thulden
source Wikipaintings

Book XVIII

A beggar, Arnaios or Iros, challenges Odysseus, and Antinoös helps to stir up the situation. Odysseus elicits a promise from the suitors, not to interfer in their fight but when the suitors see his massive limbs, they predict a possible surprise outcome, and Iros is not so willing to fight, having to be pushed on by the suitors. Odysseus decides not to kill him but instead to lightly hit him and manages to break the bones in his neck, whereupon the beggar sinks to the ground, kicking and bleating. The suitors laugh at his plight. Amphinomos gives Odysseus his reward of meat and Odysseus compliments him, prophesying his fate through a speech, and Amphinomos is apprehensive. Penelope, now graced by Athene with further charms, descends and takes the suitors to task for their ill-treatment of guests, as well as her son who admits that he does not always take the wise course. Eurymachos tries to bring the subject around to the wedding of Penelope but she deflects his words with a story of Odysseus and tricks them into offering gifts, which pleases her husband mightily. The suitors give them willingly but Antinoös reminds her that they will not leave until she chooses a husband. As night comes, Odysseus offers to keep the lights lit for the serving women but one, Melantho, mocks and derides him, until he threatens her with dismembering, whereupon all the women scuttle away. Eurymachos then takes up the mocking of Odysseus, who counters with insults until Eurymachos tosses a footstool at him, hitting the cupbearer instead. This act incurs the wrath of Telemachos who gives them such a set-down, they are amazed at his bravado. Amphinomos upbraids them for their actions, saying that they must treat guests properly; they drink to the gods and then each goes home to bed.

Deception and Truth

We have already seen the numerous crafty deceptions of Odysseus, and in this chapter Penelope echoes her husband’s trickery, cunningly wheedling out of the suitors, numerous gifts for their household. Telemachos, however, not only speaks with authority but appears to avoid falsity. Most of his speeches are direct and truthful.