Book XXIV · Episode 3 of 5

Reunion Feast

Laertes made godlike, household feasts

Scenes

1. Fear of Reprisal — Laertes fears revenge, Odysseus reassures
   • Thanks Zeus for punishing the arrogant
   • Fears Ithacans will summon all Cephallenia
   • Urges setting worry aside, hurrying home
   • Telemachus waits with herdsman and swineherd
2. Laertes Transformed — Athena makes Laertes godlike again
   • Sicilian woman bathes and anoints Laertes
   • Wrapped in a fine cloak
   • Odysseus guesses a god’s hand at work
   • Recalls capturing Nericus on Epirus’ shore
   • Wishes he’d fought beside his son
3. Dolius Welcomes Odysseus — Dolius and sons arrive astonished
   • Sicilian nurse summoned Dolius and his sons
   • Odysseus invites them to sit and eat
   • Dolius seizes and kisses Odysseus’ hand
   • Asks if Penelope knows of the homecoming
   • Sons crowd around Odysseus before the banquet