Book XVI · Episode 2 of 4
Odysseus Reveals Himself
Athena restores Odysseus, they plot revenge
Scenes
- Athena Transforms Odysseus — Athena bids Odysseus reveal himself
- Athena appears as a stately woman
- Only Odysseus and the dogs see her
- Dogs whimper and slink into the stalls
- She promises to return for the assault
- Golden wand restores his robes and beard
- Father and Son Reunited — Odysseus reveals himself, they embrace
- Telemachus mistakes him for a god
- He suspects a god’s deception instead
- Odysseus swears no other Odysseus will come
- Athena shifts him between beggar and youth
- Both weep aloud together
- Counting the Suitors — Telemachus counts the suitors, hears voyage
- Phaeacian sailors brought him home asleep
- They hid rich gifts among the rocks
- Athena bids him learn the suitors’ number
- Telemachus marvels two could face so many
- Dulichium alone sends fifty-two suitors
- Plotting the Vengeance — Odysseus plans, Telemachus urges caution
- Eumaeus will lead him to town disguised
- He must bear any abuse quietly
- Weapons move up at a secret signal
- Secret even from Laertes and Penelope
- Telemachus wants only the women tested