Odyssey Books 13-18
By: Ryan, Burke, and Brady
Summary
Odysseus and his men leave Scheria, and set sail for Ithaca. He makes it to Ithaca, his men have to carry him to shore. Poseidon notices that Odysseus is in Ithaca, and punishes the Phaeacians for assisting him. He sinks their ship to the bottom of the sea. Odysseus awakes, and he does not recognize Ithaca. Athena disguises herself as a shepard, and tells him that it is real what he is seeing. She informs him that Telemachus is gone, and gives him an appearance that no one will notice him. Odysseus sees Eumaeus’s hut, and is invited inside for food. Eumaeus doesn’t know that it is him, because of his disguise, and he asks Odysseus about his early life. And again Odysseus makes up a story to him. Athena goes to Sparta and tells Telemachus that he needs to hurry home before the suitors overcome Penelope. Back at Ithaca, Odysseus tests Eumaeus and sees how long he can give him hospitality by leaving in the morning. The next day Telemachus returns to Ithaca. Eumaeus notices Telemachus is home, and goes alone to inform his mother. Odysseus’s disguise wears off and Telemachus and him notice each other. And his son is really happy he is back. Then Odysseus takes the disguise of an old man next. Telemachus meets with his mother, and have food. He discusses all the things that have happened. A beggar comes into the palace to challenge the old man (Odysseus) to a boxing match, and loses. He tries to flee from the palace. A riot starts in the palace.
Characters
Eumaeus
Eumaeus is the suitor that welcomes Odysseus into his home and shows Odysseus the loss of hope of their king returning.
Irus
Melanthius
Quotes
“Leave blows alone, do not press me too hard, or you may make me angry so that, old as I am, I may give you a bloody chest and mouth. Then I could have peace, and still more of it tomorrow, for I do not think you will make your way back here a second time to the house of Odysseus, son of Laertes.”
“Eurymachos, all my excellence, my beauty and figure, were ruined by the immortals at that time when the Argives took ship for Ilion, and with them went my husband, Odysseus. If he were to come back to me and take care of my life, then my reputation would be more great and splendid.”
“We went to Pylos, and to Nestor, shepherd of the people, and he, in his high house, gave me hospitality, and loving free attention, as a father would to his own beloved son, who was newly arrived from a long voyage elsewhere. So he freely took care of me, with his own glorious children.”
“Suddenly you have changed, my friend, from what you were formerly; your skin is no longer as it was, you have other clothing. Surely you are one of those gods who hold the high heaven. Be gracious, then: so we shall give you favored offerings and golden gifts that have been well wrought. Only be merciful.”
"Telemachos, not without a god's will did this bird fly past you on the right, for I knew when I saw it that it was a portent. No other family shall be kinglier than yours in the country of Ithaka, but you shall have lordly power forever."
Themes
Hospitality- Always feed your guest and treat them right. No matter is its a complete stranger or a friend you would treat them the same.
Loyalty- The biggest example of loyalty is Penelope and her being able to be loyal enough to not remarry and get with other suitors. Another example is Telemachus who stands by his father against the suitors.
Leadership- Odysseus tells his teams about the risk ahead, and the options that they will have to face. One involves a dragon with 6 heads and one involves a huge sunk hole.
Courage- Odysseus has a lot of courage to face the challenge of either losing 6 men of losing the whole ship.