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

The Last Banquet of the Suitors

Odysseus endures omens, suitors feast

Sleepless in the porch, Odysseus is calmed by Athena and reassured by thunder and a serving-woman’s curse-omen. Telemachus questions the household, and the loyal swineherd and herdsman greet the disguised king warmly while Melanthius and Ctesippus insult him. Amid the suitors’ raucous banquet, Theoclymenus foresees blood on the walls and death approaching, but the suitors only laugh.

Argument, 1871 Disorderly conduct of the serving-women —Prayer of Odysseus for a favorable omen —Its fulfillment —Preparations for a feast of the suitors in the palace —The feast —Odysseus insulted by Ctesippus, who is reproved by Telemachus —Strange prodigies observed by Theoclymenus, who leaves the hall.

Episodes of Book XX

1. Night vigil, divine comfort — Odysseus plots revenge, Athena calms him
   • Odysseus’ restless night
   • Athena reassures him
   • Penelope’s prayer to Artemis
   • Dawn prayer for a sign
2. Omens and morning stir — Thunder and a curse answer Odysseus’s prayer
   • Thunder and the mill-woman’s word
   • Telemachus questions Eurycleia
   • Household prepares the hall
   • Melanthius’s insult
3. Loyal herdsman, hidden oath — Philoetius mourns, Odysseus vows return
   • Philoetius arrives and grieves
   • Odysseus’ secret promise
   • Eagle omen, feast begins
4. Feast turns to insult — Telemachus seats Odysseus, Ctesippus attacks
   • Telemachus seats Odysseus
   • Hecatomb and banquet
   • Ctesippus’s insult
   • Telemachus rebukes Ctesippus
5. Prophecy of blood — Theoclymenus foresees suitors’ doom
   • Agelaus urges remarriage
   • Mad laughter, grim vision
   • Eurymachus mocks, seer departs
   • Suitors mock the guests