Book XVI · Episode 1 of 4
Reunion at the Hut
Telemachus reaches lodge, sends word
Scenes
- Telemachus Arrives — Eumaeus, disguised Odysseus greet Telemachus
- Dogs fawn instead of barking at dawn
- Odysseus senses a friend approaching
- Swineherd drops wine bowl in shock
- Eumaeus weeps like a father reunited
- Sight of him feels sweeter than daylight
- News of Penelope — Eumaeus says Penelope waits faithfully
- Telemachus asks if a wooer won her
- He wonders if Odysseus’ bed lies untended
- Eumaeus says she weeps night and day
- Odysseus offers his seat to Telemachus
- Three share bread, meat, and wine together
- The Stranger’s Welcome — Telemachus clothes stranger, sends Eumaeus
- Guest claims to be a fleeing Cretan
- He begs shelter as a suppliant
- House offers no protection from suitors
- Gift is cloak, tunic, sword, sandals
- Odysseus secretly grieves at their abuse
- Word for Laertes Deferred — Telemachus defers word to Laertes
- Eumaeus asks about informing Laertes
- Laertes has stopped tending the farm
- He sits sighing, wasting away with grief
- Would wish first for his father’s return
- Housekeeper will tell Laertes privately later