Book Seventeen: Stranger at the Gates

At the beginning of book 17, Telemachus "forces" Odysseus to go into town, and the "beggar" agrees. He says that he does not want to be a drain on the farm, and he will go later. Telemachus then departs and finally comes into the palace. Penelope and Eurycleia cry with relief about his safe return. Everyone bathes, and Piraeus meets with Telemachus. When asked, Telemachus decides that he would rather have his gifts stay with his friends of Piraeus if Telemachus were to be killed than have the suitors split it up when they carve up his estate. Penelope asks about what happened on Telemachus' voyage and he tells that Nestor had no information but Menelaus told him that Odysseus was on an island with Calypso. Afterwards, Theocylmenus decides its time for him to talk about a bird sign that predicted that Odysseus was already home in Ithaca. I would have been irritated by him as Odysseus is trying to keep his presence a secret from all but Telemachus. Meanwhile, the swineherd and Odysseus start to walk to the town against Eumaeus' wishes. While on their way, Melanthius, the goat herd, insulted the "beggar" and kicked Odysseus. All three of them go to Odysseus' palace, and Eumaeus and Odysseus decide that Eumaeus will go in first and Odysseus will follow. Odysseus was extremely upset when he saw his dog on a dung heap, as it had not been cared for by everyone. After receiving and eating bread from Telemachus, Odysseus begs for scraps of bread from the suitors to separate the innocent from the guilty. Menlanthius recognized the beggar and announced that the swineherd was the "dirt" that led him into the palace. Antinous got angry at Eumaeus and complained about bringing people in to beg off of "their" plates. Telemachus tells everyone to give bread, but Antinous refused and threw a stool at Odysseus. Penelope finds out about the violence, and tells Eumaeus to bring Odysseus to her. Eumaeus talks about how the beggar has been many places and claims to know about Odysseus' location. When asked, Odysseus agrees but on the condition that they wait until sundown so the suitors do not see and hurt him.