Odyssey- book 14 Flashcards
what happens when Odysseus’ approaches Eumaeus’ house at the beginning of book 14?
When Odysseus approaches the hut, the dogs catch sight of him and fly at him, barking. Eumaeus quickly drops the leather that he is holding and saves Odysseus. Eumaeus claims that he has dealt with enough grief and pain, and having to deal with the old man’s death would be quite enough. Eumaeus has spent years yearning and mourning for his master, fattening his animals for other men to eat.
what does Odysseus thank Eumaeus for?
Odysseus thanks the swineherd for his hospitality, and Eumaeus answers that Zeus decrees that everyone be kind to beggars and strangers- it would be wrong to turn away a stranger, even one in worse state than Odysseus, disguised as a beggar.
What does Eumaeus say about the suitors?
He complains that the suitors eat all the best hogs without fearing the revenge of the gods, who honour the just acts of men. The suitors must think Odysseus is dead or have received a heaven-sent rumour, says the swineherd, because they shamelessly deplete what was once the richest realm in this part of the world, and rather than going home they indulge in sitting at the palace in ease eating up Odysseus’ livelihood.
what does Eumaeus say about Penelope, Telemachus and Odysseus?
Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, asks Eumaeus’ to describe his lord, explaining that he has travelled over the world and might know him- Eumaeus exclaims that no man who comes to Ithaca could convince Penelope and telemachus. He exclaims that beggars find lying easy, and for Penelop who is still grieving her husband, will likely cry, and believe the beggar. As for Odysseus, He is dead and gone, his death has caused a lot of grief amongst his friends and Eumaeus himself, and he will never again find a master so kind.
what does the beggar say about Odysseus’ return?
The beggar replies to this, saying that Odysseus will return and will set foot directly in his own home, and that if the beggar is found to be telling the truth, to dress him in a fine new cloak and tunic. But for now, as no one will believe him, even though he hates like the gates of hades men that lie whilst they are in poverty, he will deal with it. He swears before Zeus and all the other gods that Odysseus will return home as he says.
what does the beggar say about his fake past?
(the cretan lie)
Odysseus-the-beggar tells Eumaeus that he was born in Crete, the unlawful son of a rich man (Castor, son of Hylax) and a concubine.
