Book 22 summary Flashcards
How does this book start?
Odysseus shoots Antinous through the throat just as he’s about to take a sip of wine
HE kicks the table and scatters the food on the floor, which mixes with Antinous’ blood
How do the suitors react to Antinous’ death?
Odysseus reveals himself, and the suitors, horrified, plead for mercy
They blame Antinous for their wrongdoings and offer to repay all they have stolen
How does Odysseus respond to the suitors pleas?
He tells them that no amount of wealth can wipe out their crimes.
What does Eurymachus do after Odysseus rejects the suitors offers?
He calls the suitors to battle, but Odysseus quickly kills him.
What does Telemachus do once the killing has started?
He kills Amphinomus, and then runs to get weapons for himself, Odysseus, Eumaeus and Philoetius
What do Eumaeus and Philoetius do?
Eumaeus guards the side-door to the palace so no suitors can escape.
When Melanthius climbs through a passage into Odysseus’ storeroom and brings weapons to some of the suitors, Eumaeus and Philoetius catch him and leave him string up there in great pain
What does Athena do during the battle?
Appears in the guise of Mentor
She then turns into a swallow and flies to a beam on the roof to watch the fighting.
The suitors shoot arrows at Odysseus, but she ensures that they always miss
Who is spared?
The bard and the herald Medon
Who does Telemachus bring out?
Eurykleia, who is happy to see the suitors dead.
However, Odysseus warns her that its wrong to rejoice over the bodies of the dead
What does Odysseus ask Eurykleia to do?
He asks her to gather the maids who slept with the suitors.
What does Odysseus ask of the maids?
He tells them to help Telemachus, Eumaeus and Philoetius in clearing away the corpses and the blood.
What does Telemachus do to the maids?
He hangs them with a cable
What is done with Melanthius?
Telemachus, Eumaeus and Philoetius take him outside and cut off his nose, ears, genitals, hands and feet.
What is the final thing Odysseus asks for?
That the servants sterilise the house with smoke
