Book XVII · Episode 4 of 6
Argus and the Threshold
Argus dies, Odysseus begs suitors
Scenes
- Death of Argus — Neglected Argus recognizes his master
- Argus lies forgotten, covered in vermin
- He wags tail but can’t approach
- Odysseus wipes away an unnoticed tear
- Famed once as the swiftest hound
- Long absence leaves him neglected
- Beggar at the Door — Telemachus feeds beggar Odysseus
- Argus dies after twenty years’ wait
- Telemachus seats Eumaeus at his table
- Odysseus settles on threshold by doorpost
- Sends bread and meat by Eumaeus
- Tells him to beg from suitors
- Athena Stirs Him — Athena urges Odysseus to beg suitors
- Blesses Telemachus, tucks gift in scrip
- Eats quietly amid the hall’s uproar
- Wants to judge good from wicked
- None of the suitors will be spared
- Suitors give freely, wonder who he is