Book XVII of twenty-four · A Stranger in His Hall

Return of Odysseus to His Palace

Argus knows Odysseus, Antinoüs strikes him

Telemachus returns from Pylos with news of Odysseus on Calypso’s isle, and Theoclymenus prophesies his return. Eumaeus guides disguised Odysseus to his own hall, past Melanthius’s abuse; only the dying hound Argus knows him. Struck by Antinoüs while begging, he provokes suitors’ unease, and Penelope, moved by the blow and an omen, arranges to question him at dusk.

Argument, 1871 Meeting of Telemachus and Penelope, Odysseus conducted by Eumaeus to the palace, where he is known by the dog Argus, who dies on seeing him —Entrance of Odysseus among the suitors —Assault made by Antinous upon Odysseus —Odysseus sent for by Penelope.

Episodes of Book XVII

1. Telemachus Returns Home — Telemachus returns, embraces Penelope
   • Telemachus Sets Out
   • Reunion with Penelope
   • Marketplace and Piraeus
2. News at the Feast — Theoclymenus predicts Odysseus’ return
   • Feast and a Question
   • Nestor and Menelaus
   • Theoclymenus’s Prophecy
3. Journey to Town — Melanthius taunts Odysseus nearing town
   • Suitors Called to Supper
   • On the Road
   • Melanthius’s Insults
   • Approaching the Hall
4. Argus and the Threshold — Argus dies, Odysseus begs suitors
   • Death of Argus
   • Beggar at the Door
   • Athena Stirs Him
5. Antinoüs’s Assault — Antinoüs jeers, strikes Odysseus
   • Antinoüs Rebukes Eumaeus
   • Telemachus Intervenes
   • The Egyptian Tale
   • Struck by a Footstool
   • Suitors’ Uneasy Rebuke
6. Penelope Summons the Stranger — Penelope agrees to meet stranger at dusk
   • Penelope’s Outrage
   • Eumaeus’s Report
   • A Sneeze and a Summons
   • Penelope Agrees to Wait
   • Eumaeus Departs