Book XXIV · Episode 2 of 5
Testing Laertes
Odysseus tests Laertes, then reveals himself
Scenes
- Odysseus Finds Laertes — Odysseus finds Laertes grieving in orchard
- Sicilian servant woman tends aging Laertes
- Odysseus orders companions to slaughter a hog
- Plans to test if father knows him
- Finds Laertes alone, digging round a tree
- Laertes wears patched tunic and goatskin cap
- Odysseus Tests Father — Disguised, Odysseus hears Laertes lament
- Orchard’s figs, vines, pears impress Odysseus
- Hides tears, spins a traveler’s false tale
- Claims to have hosted Laertes’ own son
- Says lawless men now hold the island
- Fears son lost to beasts and sea
- Father and Son Reunite — Odysseus reveals scar to Laertes
- Laertes pours dust over his white head
- Melts Odysseus’ heart, prompting an embrace
- Declares the suitors already lie avenged
- Names trees his father once gave him
- Trembling, Laertes embraces his long-lost son