Book XIV of twenty-four · Homecoming in Disguise

Meeting of Odysseus and Eumaeus

Beggar Odysseus lodges with mourning Eumaeus

Home in Ithaca, Odysseus in beggar’s guise seeks out Eumaeus, his faithful swineherd, who welcomes him despite his poverty and mourns his master’s presumed death. Odysseus spins a long false Cretan tale and swears Odysseus will soon return, but Eumaeus refuses hopeful lies. That night, with a trick from an old war story, Odysseus wins himself a warm cloak against the storm.

Argument, 1871 Hospitable reception by Eumaeus of Odysseus in the disguise of a beggar —His feigned account of himself —His promise that Odysseus shall return —Supper in the lodge of Eumaeus —Stratagem of Odysseus to procure a cloak for the night.

Episodes of Book XIV

1. Arrival at the Lodge — Odysseus reaches Eumaeus, survives the dogs
   • Dogs at the Lodge
   • Seated by the Hearth
   • The Swineherd’s Meal
2. Guarded Hopes — Eumaeus doubts tales, fears for Telemachus
   • Wary of Wanderers
   • An Oath and a Story
3. The Beggar’s Tale — Odysseus spins false Cretan tale
   • The Cretan’s Long Tale
   • Eumaeus Stays Doubtful
4. Evening Sacrifice — Eumaeus sacrifices a boar in prayer
   • Sacrifice of the Boar
   • Sharing the Feast
5. Winning a Cloak — Storm rages, Odysseus wins a cloak
   • A Stormy Night
   • The Trick for a Cloak
   • A Bed by the Fire