The Odyssey Book XIV: Hospitality In The Forest By:By:By: By: Matt Schaefer & Arbaz Pathan KEY: = Important Information = Reading Activity/Skit

❖ Setting: This book takes place in the forest outside of Eumaeus’s home, where Odysseus is in need of food and shelter. This book also takes place through wooded ground, taking a stony trail into the high hills into the forest, and to Eumaeus’ home. ❖ Characters Involved: Odysseus (who is disguised as a beggar) and Eumaeus. ❖ Main Ideas: Odysseus, who looks like a beggar, is taken in by Eumaeus, Odysseus’ former servant, and given great hospitality. Book XIV

Eumaeus: Odysseus: Characters

❖ Plot: - Odysseus arrives at the swineherd’s home in the forest and is nearly killed by a pack of wild dogs. Luckily, Eumaeus shows up in the nick of time to save Odysseus and welcome him into his home to offer food and comfort. Eumaeus was actually a faithful servant to Odysseus before he left for Troy, but Eumaeus hasn’t heard any news of Odysseus, and questions whether or not he is still alive. Eumaeus is a nice man who built 12 pig sites for his many pigs (He’s a swineherd). Eumaeus tells Odysseus how beggars come from Zeus. Book XIV

- While talking Eumaeus tells Odysseus (who is disguised as a beggar) how great king Odysseus was and how he fought in Troy. He also tells him how there are many suitors all at his house trying to marry his wife Penelope was is greifst riken, while Telemachus is helpless. Odysseus (still disguised) tells him not to worry and Odysseus will return. Eumaeus rolls his eyes and doesn’t believe him. Odysseus makes up a story how he was a commoner from Crete and has suffered some of the same trials as Odysseus. After feasting Odysseus sleeps on top of goat and sheep skin. Book XIV (Continued)

-Go to page 248, LL so you can see how Eumaeus saves Odysseus’ life. Who wants to read aloud? - Can you guys tell anything about Eumaeus from this paragraph? Get out your books!

This scene is a reenactment of the quick wit of Odysseus. This takes place on page 253 LL Our Scene

❖ We think that this book portrays a very good friendship between Odysseus and Eumaeus. It makes sense because Eumaeus use to serve Odysseus and they use to be great friends. Odysseus cannot reveal his true identity to Eumaeus, so he has to make up a story on the spot about where he supposedly came from, and how he became so poor, as Odysseus was dressed like a beggar. Odysseus’ ability to create such a detailed and persuasive story on the spot shows how keen, cunning and wise he is. Bloom Literature’s “Heroism in the Odyssey”, agrees with us in the fact that this book shows “Odysseus’s heroism is the way he combines cunning and wisdom with boldness and power.” Maybe Eumaeus and Odysseus will meet again, and Odysseus won’t have to hide his true identity. Eumaeus is a loyal servant, and is someone Odysseus can trust. This book may foreshadow more Eumaeus to come. Analysis

Any Questions?