Book XX · Episode 3 of 5
Loyal herdsman, hidden oath
Philoetius mourns, Odysseus vows return
Scenes
- Philoetius arrives and grieves — Philoetius greets Odysseus, laments his king
- Brings a heifer and goats along
- Asks Eumaeus who the stranger is
- Notes his careworn, kingly bearing
- Tended the herds since boyhood
- Hope alone keeps him from fleeing
- Odysseus’ secret promise — Odysseus swears his master will slay suitors
- Judges the herdsman loyal, discerning
- Swears an oath by Zeus and hearth
- Herdsman will witness the suitors’ death
- Philoetius prays the words come true
- Vows to show his arm’s strength
- Eagle omen, feast begins — Eagle omen, Amphinomus halts the plot
- Eumaeus prays for Odysseus’ return
- Suitors secretly plot to kill Telemachus
- Eagle clutches a trembling dove overhead
- Suitors slaughter sheep, goats, a heifer
- Odysseus seated near the threshold