Homer · tr. Bryant, 1871

Book XIV · Episode 1 of 5

Arrival at the Lodge

Odysseus reaches Eumaeus, survives the dogs

Scenes

  1. Dogs at the Lodge — Dogs attack Odysseus, Eumaeus intervenes
    • Odysseus climbs up from the harbor
    • Four wolfish mastiffs guard the herds
    • Odysseus drops his staff, avoids harm
    • Eumaeus scolds himself, mourns his master
    • Eumaeus urges the stranger in to eat
  2. Seated by the Hearth — Eumaeus believes his master died at Troy
    • Eumaeus spreads rushes and a goatskin
    • Odysseus prays the gods repay such kindness
    • He admits his own gifts are small
    • Eumaeus mourns rewards his master owed him
    • He curses Helen’s house for the dead
  3. The Swineherd’s Meal — Eumaeus roasts pork, rails at suitors
    • Eumaeus pours mixed wine for his guest
    • Suitors feast on swine, fearing no gods
    • He tallies the herds his lord owned
    • Flocks scatter across mainland and island
    • Odysseus secretly broods vengeance on them