1. The odyssey
Book seventeen

2. Book seventeen
Telemachus arrives at the palace, where he is greeted emotionally by Penelope and by the scheming suitors.
He tells Penelope about his trip to Pylos and Sparta, how both kings were shocked to learn about what was happening at Odysseus’ palace and how the great hero is believed to be a captive of Calypso.
Theoclymenus prophesises that Odysseus is indeed on his own land and is scheming revenge on the suitors.
Meanwhile the suitors continue their unruly behaviour making noise, merriment and slaughtering all the fattened hogs and sheep for their banquets.

3. Book seventeen
Odysseus makes his way down the mountain to the palace accompanied by Eumaeus.
On the way he gets some abuse from a herdsman called Melanthius. He wonders why the stranger is being brought to the palace and suggests that he should be given to him. He lashes out a kick at Odysseus but misses.
They leave the goatherd - who mutters that he hopes to see the suitors put an end to Telemachus.

4. Book seventeen
As they approach the palace courtyard Odysseus’ old hound Argus lies outside. Odysseus had trained the dog himself, but the poor creature had been abandoned.
There the loyal hound lay for twenty years, awaiting his master’s return. When Argus saw his old master he raised his ears and wagged his tail feebly.
Odysseus pretends not to notice but sheds a tear out of the corner of his eye.
As soon as Argus has seen his old master he “succumbed to the black hand of death”.

5. Book seventeen
Odysseus then goes into the palace and prompted by Athena, begs for food at the banquet that is taking place.
Antinous, a leading suitor, insults Odysseus and Eumaeus. He says he is not interested in the beggar’s story about his misadventures in Egypt nor does he want him begging at his table. He flings a stool at Odysseus hitting him on the shoulder.

6. Book seventeen
Telemachus restrains himself as he witnesses this, but both Penelope and the suitors are shocked that a stranger is mistreated in such a way, the laws of Xenia are not followed.
Penelope asks Eumaeus to bring the beggar to see her, so she can find out more about him. Odysseus tells Eumaeus he will visit her at night-time - so the suitors won’t find out. He and Penelope can then talk in private.

7. Book seventeen: important points
Note how the sympathy for Odysseus grows and the behaviour of the suitors becomes more contemptible especially their treatment of strangers.
Note how Odysseus is ironically only recognised by his poor dog, Argus. The sorry state of his hound may symbolise the appalling state of affairs in his palace. Indeed Argus’ welcome contrasts sharply with the treatment Odysseus receives from Antinous.
Note how Odysseus’ disguise allows him to test and taunt the suitors.

8. Book seventeen: important points
Odysseus exercises restraint and patience. He needs to be in command of the situation and adhere to his plans, outlined in book 15.
Note how the behaviour of the suitors seals their doom at the end of the epic.
Note how Telemachus can barely restrain his temper, seeing his father treated so badly, but he holds firm. A sure sign that he has abandoned his boyish ways!

9. Book seventeen: Questions
Describe Odysseus’ interactions with:
Melanthius
Argus
Antinous