Book II of twenty-four · A Son Sets Sail
Telemachus confronts suitors, sails by night
Telemachus calls Ithaca’s council to denounce the suitors devouring his house; Antinoüs blames Penelope’s shroud-trick and the suitors refuse to leave. An eagle omen and Halitherses’ warning that Odysseus is near go unheeded, so Telemachus seeks his father himself. Athena, disguised as Mentor, arranges a ship, drugs the suitors, and sails with him by night.
Argument, 1871 The chief men of Ithaca assembled by Telemachus —His complaint of the suitors —Their attempt to justify themselves —Prophecy of the return of Odysseus by the seer, Halitherses —Request of Telemachus for a vessel to visit Pylos and Sparta, in quest of his father, granted by the assembly —Preparations for his departure.