Book XXI · Episode 3 of 6
Odysseus Confides in the Herdsmen
Odysseus tests herdsmen, reveals scar
Scenes
- Odysseus Tests the Herdsmen — Odysseus questions herdsmen’s loyalty
- Steps outside, away from the suitors
- Asks if they’d back him or suitors
- Philoetius prays Zeus bring Odysseus home
- Eumaeus echoes prayer for the king’s return
- Odysseus is satisfied, prepares to say more
- Odysseus Reveals Himself — Odysseus shows scar, herdsmen weep
- Promises each a wife, land, and house
- Scar from boar’s tusk proves his identity
- Men weep and embrace their long-lost king
- Cuts short their tears, shares his plan
- Eumaeus fetches bow, Philoetius bars the gate