Book IV of twenty-four · A Son Sets Sail

Conference of Telemachus and Menelaus

Telemachus learns of Odysseus, suitors plot

At Sparta, Menelaus welcomes Telemachus and recounts capturing the sea-god Proteus, who revealed the deaths of Ajax and Agamemnon and Odysseus’ captivity on Calypso’s isle. Meanwhile in Ithaca, the suitors discover Telemachus’s voyage and arm a ship to kill him at sea, and Penelope, warned by the herald Medon, grieves until Athena sends her a reassuring dream.

Argument, 1871 Arrival of Telemachus and his companion at Sparta —A wedding; the marriage of the daughter of Menelaus —Helen in Sparta —Entertainment of the guests —Helen’s account of her return to her husband —The Trojan horse —Narrative of the visit of Menelaus to Egypt, in order to consult the sea-god, Proteus —Menelaus informed by him that Odysseus is detained by Calypso in her island —Plot of the suitors to lie in wait for Telemachus on his voyage and destroy him —Penelope visited and consoled by Athena in a dream.

Episodes of Book IV

1. Arrival at Sparta — Telemachus, Peisistratus reach Sparta feast
   • A Double Wedding
   • Welcome for the Strangers
   • Awed by the Palace
   • Menelaus Mourns Odysseus
2. Recognition and Shared Grief — Helen recognizes Telemachus, hall grieves
   • Helen Recognizes Telemachus
   • Peisistratus Confirms His Friend
   • Grief Set Aside
   • Helen’s Drug and Tales of Troy
3. Trapping the Old Man of the Sea — Menelaus snares Proteus for truth
   • A Night’s Rest
   • The Plea for Truth
   • Stranded on Pharos
   • Snaring Proteus
   • Proteus Demands Sacrifice
4. Proteus’s Prophecies — Proteus reveals fates of Agamemnon, Odysseus
   • Fates of Ajax and Agamemnon
   • Odysseus on Calypso’s Isle
   • Farewell Gifts
5. The Suitors Plot an Ambush — Suitors learn, Antinoüs plots ambush
   • Suitors Learn of the Voyage
   • Antinoüs Presses for Details
   • Antinoüs Plots an Ambush
6. Penelope Learns of the Plot — Medon warns Penelope, who prays to Athena
   • Medon Warns Penelope
   • Penelope’s Anguish
   • Lament and Comfort
   • Prayer to Athena
7. A Dream of Reassurance — Suitors sail as Athena sends a dream
   • Suitors Set Sail
   • A Troubled Sleep
   • The Dream Speaks
   • Penelope Wakes; Ambush Set