Hermes is leading the suitors into the Underworld (aka Hades).“He led them down dank ways, over grey Ocean tides, the Snowy Rock, past shores of Dream and narrows of the sunset, in swift flight to where the Dead inhabit wastes of asphodels at the world’s end.” (Line 11-15)
Akhilleus and Agamemnon are talking. Akhilleus says, “It’s a shame you didn’t die in battle so your son could have your honor. Instead you died a piteous death.” Agamemnon describes how Akhilleus died, the emphasis being on how he got a proper burial, unlike himself who was killed by his adulterous wife and Aigisthos. Agamemnon recognizes one of the suitors, named Amphimedon, and asks him how he died. Briefly goes over how Odysseus cut down the suitors and he adds that Penelope’s fake weaving tactic was Odysseus idea, even though it really wasn’t. Agamemnon doesn’t really sympathize with Amphimedon, but instead Agamemnon praises Penelope’s loyalty in contrast to his own wife’s disloyalty.
Meanwhile, Odysseus and company reach Laertes’s house. Telemakhos and the two herdsmen, Eumaios and Philoithios go inside and make themselves comfortable. Odysseus walks through the orchard. Finds Laertes is digging around a young fruit tree. He is in poor condition. Odysseus decides to test his father. He asks who Laertes master is (as if Laertes was a servant). Laertes says, “This is the home of the man you speak of, but long gone is he, dead somewhere, I am his father, but who are you?” Odysseus makes up fake story. Laertes puts dirt on his head. Odysseus suddenly hugs the poor mourning man and says, “I am Odysseus and I killed the suitors!” Laertes wants proof. Odysseus shows him the scar from the wild boar and quotes something his father said/did when Odysseus was young. Laertes hugs Odysseus, but is worried people will be angry he killed the suitors. Odysseus says, “ Don’t worry let’s go back to your house and eat. My friends are already there.”
Laertes is bathed and Athena makes him look younger and less tired. He says, “How I wish I could have been by your side fighting the suitors!” Then they feast. Dolios (servant) and other servants return from working in the fields and recognize Odysseus. They are very excited to see him.
Meanwhile in town, news of Odysseus killing the suitors is spreading. Men and women gather before Odysseus’s hall. They bury the suitors or bring them down to the port to be shipped to their homelands. An assembly is called. Eupeithes, Atinoos’s father, wants to avenge his son’s blood, decides to chase Odysseus and kill him. Medon (on Odysseus’s side) says, “When Odysseus killed the suitors the gods were on his side!” Halitherses Mastorides the old forecaster says, “It’s the suitors own fault they died. Don’t chase Odysseus unless you want to die.” Some still agree with Eupeithes and gather weapons.
Athena goes to Zeus for advice. She asks Zeus what he would do. Zeus says, “You started this, you end it, but I would let there be peace.” Athena goes down to Earth and tells one of the servant boys to go and see if the angry mob of people are coming. Odysseus and his own little army arm themselves and head out. Athena disguises herself as Mentor. Odysseus says to Telemakhos, “I’m counting on you to uphold the family legend.” Telemakhos says, “Stop doubting me and watch me in battle.” Laertes throws a spear. It hits Eupeithes on his cheek and kills him. Odysseus and Telemakhos get ready to attack but Athena stops the battle. Everyone drops weapons when they hear the voice of a goddess. Townspeople flee, but Odysseus runs after them. Zeus shoots down a thunderbolt. Athena yells at Odysseus. Both parties later swear to peace.
The reuniting of Odysseus and Telemakhos went over way too easy. If an old crippled beggar suddenly turned into a strong muscular man, and on top of that claimed he was my father; I wouldn’t believe him! Yet Telemakhos has no trouble believing that in fact Odysseus is his dad. All Odysseus says is “Oh the transforming? Neat trick right? It’s the gods,” and Telemakhos believes him! No questions asked. They bond a little by killing the suitors. When you get to the end of the book, Odysseus is bringing his son into battle, and is underestimating him. Telemakhos says “Stop judging me for one minute and actually watch what I can do!” Yes, sounds like a typical father – son relationship to me.
On the other hand, when Laertes is reunited with Odysseus he wants proof Odysseus is really the man he says he is. Only once Laertes is sure that the man in front of him is Odysseus, does he embrace his son. They are quick to get back their father – son relationship, while Odysseus and Telemakhos are still building theirs. Laertes is very proud of his son for defeating all the suitors. He says he wanted to have been fighting at his side. Laertes and Odysseus have a very strong relationship.
I’d compare Superman to Odysseus. It seems in his stories; all he does is recall the superhuman things he is able to do. Even though some of these are lies, others are entirely true. Superman might not lie, but his stories are just as unbelievable as Superman’s. If you really look at it, the Odyssey is one big comic book!
Laertes is the typical superhero dad. He grieves for the possible loss, but knows that his son truly is still alive and believes it.
Telemakhos is the superhero prodigy. He’s like the kid Superman or Spiderman. He’s the one who’s in the shadows of his father and must make his life match or better his dad’s. It shows this in many of his adventures. Unlike Odysseus though, he is not prideful. He is more of a scared person. He’s nervous and afraid. On the upside, he’s much smarter. I’d compare him to maybe a sidekick.
Penelope is another perfect example. The superhero’s wife, she is as cunning as the superhero (perhaps more), and she keeps the evil suitors away. Of course, the hero Odysseus comes to rescue the damsel in distress, like in every hero story but he wouldn’t have done it if Penelope had given up and gotten married, would he?
Athena is basically the superhero’s mom. She’s always there when he needs it, but leaves him to confront his greatest battles when it is needed. She cheers on her “son” and wants him to win, because it was her who originally trained him. All the heroes and gods and goddess all make up this fantastic comic book called the Odyssey. They show many different things and reflect the Greek culture. It is such an epic it influences modern culture. Where do you think superheroes came from? Probably from the Odyssey!
It seems that the Greeks wanted something to compare to or something to look up to, like our heroes today. That’s why Homer wrote the Odyssey and probably also why it’s a required book.
