Book XIX · Episode 1 of 6

Hiding the Weapons

By night, father and son clear the hall

Scenes

1. Hiding the Weapons — Odysseus has Telemachus hide the weapons
   • Athena aids his plot for the suitors’ ruin
   • Arms are stored away in the inner rooms
   • Cover story: smoke has tarnished the weapons
   • Real fear: wine sparks deadly quarrels
2. Nurse and Torchlight — Telemachus dismisses maids for the night
   • Telemachus summons Eurycleia the nurse
   • Weapons are stowed away under cover of smoke
   • Eurycleia asks who will light his way
   • Telemachus insists no guest sits idle
3. A Radiant Warning — Athena lights their way, Odysseus bids retire
   • Doors close, the two clear the hall of arms
   • Telemachus marvels the walls seem aflame
   • He senses a god’s presence among them
   • Odysseus cautions silence on Olympian ways
   • Odysseus lingers to question mother and maids