Mortal · Character in Homer’s Odyssey
Philoetius
Neatherd loyal to a dead man
Plain and loyal; mourns his master aloud, then locks the door.
The cowherd who still mourns his master and says so to a beggar's face, not knowing who is listening. Told the truth, he bolts the courtyard gate to seal the suitors in, then fights at Odysseus' side.
Bonds
- Philoetius servant of Odysseus — keeps his cattle on the mainland
- Philoetius loyal to Odysseus — mourns him, vows to fight for him
Appears in
- Book XX The Last Banquet of the Suitors
- Book XXI The Bending of the Bow of Odysseus
- Book XXII Death of the Suitors
- Book XXIII Odysseus and Penelope After the Slaughter
Scenes
- Philoetius arrives and grieves — Book XX. Philoetius greets Odysseus, laments his king
- Odysseus’ secret promise — Book XX. Odysseus swears his master will slay suitors
- Eagle omen, feast begins — Book XX. Eagle omen, Amphinomus halts the plot
- Odysseus Tests the Herdsmen — Book XXI. Odysseus questions herdsmen’s loyalty
- Odysseus Reveals Himself — Book XXI. Odysseus shows scar, herdsmen weep
- The Doors Are Secured — Book XXI. Doors secured, Odysseus checks bow
- Telemachus Arms All — Book XXII. Telemachus arms Eumaeus and Philoetius
- Volleys Exchanged — Book XXII. Eight suitors fall, Ctesippus among them
- Rout Begins — Book XXII. Philoetius mocks Ctesippus, Athena routs
- Medon Spared — Book XXII. Telemachus pleads for Medon, both spared