Summary
Highlights
Ulysses, unable to sleep, observes the disloyal maidservants leaving the palace to meet the suitors. He struggles internally with his rage, but Minerva appears and reassures him, urging him to sleep. Meanwhile, Penelope, also unable to sleep due to her anguish, prays to Diana for death or for Ulysses' return. She describes a vivid dream of Ulysses returning. Jove sends a thunderclap, which Ulysses interprets as a positive omen. A mill-woman's prayer for the suitors' demise further reassures him. Telemachus goes to the assembly, while Euryclea instructs the maids to clean the hall. Eumaeus and Philoetius, the loyal stockman, arrive with a boar and a heifer for the suitors' feast. Melanthius, the goatherd, again insults Ulysses. Philoetius expresses his loyalty to Ulysses, lamenting his absence and predicting his return. Ulysses tests Philoetius's loyalty, who wishes for the king's return. The suitors, warned by an omen of an eagle carrying a dove, abandon their plot against Telemachus for the day and proceed with their feasting. Telemachus deliberately seats Ulysses at a separate table and warns the suitors against mistreating him. Ctesippus, one of the suitors, throws an ox's foot at Ulysses, who narrowly avoids it, smiling grimly. Telemachus sharply rebukes Ctesippus. Agelaus tries to persuade Penelope to choose a suitor, suggesting Ulysses will never return. Penelope rejects this. Minerva causes the suitors to laugh uncontrollably and display signs of impending doom. Theoclymenus, the prophet, foresees their destruction and leaves the palace. The suitors, still mockingly joyful, continue their feast, unaware of the grim fate awaiting them.
Minerva inspires Penelope to propose the bow contest as a means to the suitors' downfall. Penelope retrieves Ulysses' magnificent bow and quiver from the storeroom. The bow was a gift from Iphitus, and Ulysses had left it behind when he went to Troy. Penelope presents the bow and twelve axes to the suitors, declaring she will marry whoever can string the bow and shoot an arrow through the axe-handles. Eumaeus and Philoetius weep upon seeing their master's bow, but Antinous scolds them. Telemachus, feeling his growing strength, attempts to string the bow himself, almost succeeding before Ulysses discreetly stops him. Leiodes, the prophet, tries and fails to string the bow, declaring it impossible. Antinous suggests warming and greasing the bow. While the suitors attempt (and fail) to string the bow, Ulysses subtly tests the loyalty of Eumaeus and Philoetius. They pledge their allegiance, and Ulysses reveals his true identity by showing them his boar-hunt scar. They have a joyful, tearful reunion. Ulysses instructs them on their roles in the impending battle: Eumaeus is to bring him the bow when commanded and instruct the women to remain locked in their quarters, while Philoetius is to secure the outer gates. The suitors continue to fail at stringing the bow. Antinous proposes postponing the contest until the next day, after a sacrifice to Apollo. Ulysses, in his beggar disguise, requests a chance to try the bow, prompting ridicule from the suitors, particularly Antinous and Eurymachus, who recall the tale of the centaur Eurytion. Penelope silences them, asserting the beggar's right to try. Telemachus, asserting his authority, sends his mother back to her room.
Ulysses, with the bow in hand, strings it effortlessly, sending an arrow singing through the axes. He then casts off his rags, reveals himself, and begins to shoot the suitors. He kills Antinous first, striking him in the throat as he was about to drink. The suitors are in chaos and dismay, realizing their impending doom. Eurymachus attempts to appease Ulysses, blaming Antinous and offering recompense, but Ulysses is resolute in his vengeance. Eurymachus rallies the remaining suitors to fight, but Ulysses and Telemachus and the two loyal herdsmen (Eumaeus and Philoetius) systematically slaughter them. Telemachus fetches more arms and armor from the storeroom for himself and his allies. Melanthius, the disloyal goatherd, attempts to arm the suitors but is caught by Eumaeus and Philoetius. They bind him and hang him from a beam in the storeroom to suffer a slow death. Minerva, disguised as Mentor, appears, encouraging Ulysses but testing his resolve. She then assumes the form of a swallow and perches on a rafter, observing the battle. The remaining suitors attack, but Minerva deflects their spears, causing them to miss. Ulysses and his men continue their relentless assault, killing many without mercy. Leiodes, the prophet who condemned the suitors' actions, begs for his life, but Ulysses executes him. Phemius, the bard, and Medon, the herald, are spared due to Telemachus's intervention and their past kindness. After the carnage, Ulysses inspects the hall for any remaining survivors, finding none among the suitors. He then sends for Euryclea, who is overjoyed at the sight but is restrained by Ulysses from exulting over the dead. He instructs her to identify the disloyal maidservants. Twelve maids are found guilty of misconduct. Ulysses orders Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius to make them clean the hall thoroughly, and then to hang them in the courtyard, a shameful death. Afterwards, Melanthius is brutally mutilated and left to die. The hall is purified with sulfur smoke.
Euryclea joyfully awakens Penelope to inform her of Ulysses' return and the slaughter of the suitors. Penelope, overwhelmed, initially disbelieves, attributing the events to a god's intervention or Euryclea's age-induced senility. Euryclea insists, offering the boar-hunt scar as proof. Penelope descends to the hall, torn between embracing Ulysses and questioning him. She remains distant, unable to fully accept his identity due to his worn appearance. Telemachus rebukes her for her coldness. Ulysses, understanding her caution, instructs Telemachus to let her test him. He also devises a plan to mislead the townspeople about the slaughter until they can escape to the countryside. They dance and sing to create the illusion of a wedding. Minerva restores Ulysses' youthful and regal appearance. Still Penelope remains unmoved. Ulysses, frustrated, orders Euryclea to prepare his bed in another room. Penelope, as a final test, challenges him by asking for their bed to be moved. Ulysses, knowing the secret construction of their bed (carved from a living olive tree), describes it in detail. This undeniable proof breaks Penelope's reserve; she embraces him, weeping tears of joy. They share a long and tender reunion, recounting their sufferings. Minerva prolongs the night to allow them more time together. Ulysses then tells Penelope of Teiresias's prophecy of a final journey he must undertake to appease Neptune. The next morning, Ulysses, Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius, armed, leave the city under Minerva's veil of darkness, heading to Laertes' farm.
Mercury escorts the souls of the slain suitors to Hades, where they encounter the ghosts of Achilles and Agamemnon. The suitors, led by Amphimedon, recount their demise to Agamemnon, detailing Penelope's delaying tactics with the shroud and Ulysses' cunning return and slaughter of them all. Agamemnon praises Penelope's fidelity, contrasting it with Clytemnestra's treachery. Meanwhile, Ulysses, Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius reach Laertes' farm. Ulysses tests his father, Laertes, who is old, grief-stricken, and working alone in his vineyard. Ulysses initially disguises his identity, but Laertes' profound sorrow moves him to reveal himself, showing his scar and recalling details of their garden. Laertes, overcome with emotion, faints but revives, overjoyed, yet worried about the townsfolk's vengeance. Dolius and his sons, loyal servants, also arrive and are overjoyed to see Ulysses. Rumor of the suitors' deaths spreads through Ithaca. Eupeithes, Antinous's father, rallies the townsfolk, fueled by grief and a desire for revenge, to attack Ulysses. Medon and Halitherses warn against this, citing divine intervention. Minerva seeks Jove's counsel, who approves of establishing peace. Minerva, disguised as Mentor, descends to Ithaca and urges Laertes to pray to her and cast his spear. Laertes strikes and kills Eupeithes. As Ulysses and his allies prepare to attack the townsfolk, Minerva intervenes, commanding them to cease fighting and make peace. Jove sends a thunderbolt as a final sign. Ulysses, obeying Minerva, makes a solemn covenant of peace, bringing an end to the long cycle of violence and sorrow.
The narrative begins with a plea to the Muse. Ten years after the Trojan War, all Achaean heroes have returned home except for Ulysses, who is held captive by the nymph Calypso. The gods, gathered in council, decide that Ulysses should finally be allowed to return to Ithaca. Minerva, disguised as Mentes, King of the Taphians, visits Telemachus, Ulysses’ son, in Ithaca. She urges him to call an assembly of the Achaeans to confront the intrusive suitors who are consuming his estate and pressuring his mother, Penelope, to marry one of them. Minerva also encourages Telemachus to embark on a journey to Pylos and Sparta to seek news of his father.
Telemachus, empowered by Minerva's counsel, calls an assembly of the Achaean people. He openly denounces the suitors for their disrespectful behavior and wasteful consumption of his father's property. The suitors, led by Antinous and Eurymachus, reject his accusations and accuse Penelope of deceit for delaying her decision to remarry. An omen of two eagles fighting is interpreted by Halitherses as a sign of Ulysses' imminent return and the suitors' doom, but Eurymachus dismisses it. Telemachus reiterates his plan to travel to Pylos and Sparta to search for his father. Minerva, again disguised as Mentor, assists Telemachus in secretly preparing his ship and crew for the voyage, without Penelope's knowledge. She also lulls the suitors into a deep sleep, allowing Telemachus to depart undisturbed.
Telemachus and Minerva (still disguised as Mentor) arrive in Pylos, where the Pylians are offering sacrifices to Neptune. Telemachus is initially hesitant to speak to King Nestor due to his inexperience, but Minerva encourages him. Nestor narrates the difficult return journeys of the Achaean heroes from Troy, focusing on the fates of Agamemnon and Menelaus. He praises Ulysses' wisdom and speaks of Orestes' righteous vengeance. Nestor advises Telemachus to visit Menelaus in Sparta for more information about his father. Minerva, revealing her divine nature by transforming into an eagle, assures Nestor that she will protect Telemachus. Nestor prepares sacrifices to Minerva and hospitably lodges Telemachus, arranging for his son Pisistratus to accompany Telemachus to Sparta.
Telemachus and Pisistratus arrive at Menelaus's palace in Lacedaemon, where a double wedding feast is taking place. Menelaus and Helen welcome them warmly, recognizing Telemachus's resemblance to Ulysses. Menelaus recounts his own arduous return journey from Troy, including his encounter with Proteus, the Old Man of the Sea. Proteus revealed that Ulysses was held captive by Calypso. Telemachus expresses his distress over the suitors ravaging his home. Meanwhile, in Ithaca, the suitors learn of Telemachus's voyage and plot an ambush to kill him upon his return. Penelope is informed of this plot by Medon, a loyal servant, and is greatly distressed. Minerva sends a comforting vision to Penelope, assuring her of Telemachus's safety. The suitors proceed with their ambush plan.
The gods, at Minerva's urging, again convene. Jove sends Mercury to the island of Ogygia to command Calypso to release Ulysses. Calypso reluctantly obeys, lamenting the gods' jealousy of goddesses who fall in love with mortals. She provides Ulysses with tools and materials to build a sturdy raft and provisions for his journey. Ulysses, wary of her intentions, makes her swear an oath of good faith. After seventeen days at sea, Ulysses sights the land of the Phaeacians. Neptune, returning from the Ethiopians, spots Ulysses and, still enraged by the blinding of his son Polyphemus, unleashes a violent storm. Ino, a sea-goddess, takes pity on Ulysses and offers him her magical veil for protection. Ulysses endures immense hardship but eventually reaches the shore of Scheria, the land of the Phaeacians, utterly exhausted.
Minerva, eager to assist Ulysses, appears in a dream to Nausicaa, the beautiful daughter of King Alcinous of the Phaeacians. She advises Nausicaa to go to the river to wash her clothes in preparation for her impending marriage. The next morning, Nausicaa, accompanied by her maids, sets out with a wagon of clothes. While playing by the river, their shouting awakens Ulysses, who emerges from his hiding place, naked and dishevelled. He addresses Nausicaa with eloquent humility, requesting clothing and guidance to the city. Nausicaa, endowed with courage by Minerva, assures him of assistance. She provides him with clothes and food, and instructs him on how to approach her parents, King Alcinous and Queen Arete, in the city. Ulysses follows her instructions, praying to Minerva for acceptance. Minerva, still fearing Neptune's wrath, cloaks Ulysses in a mist to guide him safely to the city.
Nausicaa returns to her father's house. Ulysses, still enveloped in Minerva's mist, proceeds to the city. Minerva, disguised as a young girl, offers to guide him to Alcinous's palace and advises him to appeal directly to Queen Arete, who is highly respected and influential. Ulysses marvels at the splendor of the Phaeacian palace and its extensive gardens. Upon entering the palace, the mist disperses, and he prostrates himself before Queen Arete, pleading for assistance to return home. Initially, there is silence, but the elder Echeneus encourages Alcinous to receive the stranger hospitably. Alcinous offers Ulysses a seat and refreshment. Ulysses narrates a condensed version of his journey from Calypso's island. Alcinous, impressed by Ulysses, offers him his daughter's hand in marriage or safe passage home with generous gifts. Ulysses expresses his gratitude, and after a feast, the king and queen retire, leaving Ulysses to sleep.
Alcinous calls an assembly of the Phaeacians, where Minerva, disguised as a herald, encourages the citizens to welcome Ulysses. Alcinous proposes a feast and athletic games in Ulysses' honor, promising him safe passage home. Demodocus, a blind bard, sings of the quarrel between Ulysses and Achilles, which moves Ulysses to tears. Alcinous notices his guest's distress and suggests the games to lighten the mood. During the athletic contests, Laodamas invites Ulysses to participate, to which Ulysses declines, citing his recent hardships. Euryalus then insults Ulysses, questioning his athletic prowess. Angered, Ulysses throws a disk farther than any other Phaeacian, demonstrating his strength. Minerva, disguised, praises his throw. Ulysses then boasts of his skills in archery and javelin. Alcinous intervenes, emphasizing the Phaeacians' pride in seafaring, music, and dance. Demodocus sings of the love affair between Mars and Venus, amusing the gods and the Phaeacians. Alcinous proposes that each chieftain give Ulysses gifts to atone for Euryalus's insult. Euryalus offers an apology and a sword. After a warm bath and receiving presents, Ulysses and Nausicaa exchange farewells. At the final feast, Ulysses requests Demodocus to sing of the Wooden Horse, which again causes him profound grief. Alcinous notices Ulysses' renewed sorrow and asks him to reveal his true identity and story, as well as the fates of his comrades.
Ulysses, finally revealing his identity, begins to narrate his remarkable journey. He starts with his departure from Troy and his first stop at Ismarus, the city of the Cicons. His men sacked the city, but their hubris led to a counter-attack by the Cicons, resulting in significant losses. Next, they were driven by a storm to the land of the Lotus-Eaters, where some of his men partook of the intoxicating lotus fruit, losing all desire to return home. Ulysses had to force them back to the ships. His most perilous encounter was with the savage Cyclopes. He and his men arrived on their island, lured by curiosity, and entered the cave of Polyphemus. Despite Ulysses' attempts at diplomacy, Polyphemus devoured several of his men. Ulysses devised a cunning plan, getting the Cyclops drunk on potent wine and then blinding him with a heated stake. By clinging to the bellies of Polyphemus' sheep, Ulysses and his remaining men escaped the cave, but Ulysses' taunts to the blinded Cyclops led Polyphemus to curse him, invoking his father Neptune's wrath.
Ulysses recounts more of his adventures. They reached the floating island of Aeolus, keeper of the winds, who hospitably entertained them for a month. Aeolus gave Ulysses a bag containing all unfavorable winds and a gentle west wind to guide them home. Nearing Ithaca, Ulysses' tired men, believing the bag contained treasure, opened it, unleashing a storm that blew them back to Aeolus, who refused further aid. Next, they arrived at Telepylus, the city of the Laestrygonians, a race of giant cannibals. Ulysses sent scouts, who were met with hostility and devoured. The Laestrygonian king, Antiphates, attacked the fleet, destroying all ships except Ulysses' own, which he had wisely moored outside the harbor. Fleeing this disaster, they sailed to Aeaea, the island of the sorceress Circe. Ulysses sent a party to explore, who were transformed into swine by Circe's magic. Aided by Mercury, who gave him a magic herb (Moly) to counteract Circe's spells, Ulysses confronted the enchantress. He forced her to restore his men to human form and to swear an oath not to harm them. They stayed on Circe's island for a year, feasting. Eventually, his men convinced him it was time to leave, and Circe instructed him to visit the Underworld to consult the prophet Teiresias for guidance on his homecoming.
Ulysses describes his harrowing journey to the Underworld (Hades). Following Circe's instructions, they sailed to the land of the Cimmerians, shrouded in mist and darkness. There, Ulysses performed the necessary sacrifices, pouring libations and offering sheep, to summon the spirits of the dead. The ghosts swarmed around him, but he held them back with his sword, allowing only those he wished to consult to drink the blood. He first encountered the ghost of his comrade Elpenor, who had died on Circe's island and requested a proper burial. Next came his mother, Anticlea, whom he had left alive. He then spoke with the blind prophet Teiresias, who foretold his difficult journey home, warning him about the cattle of the Sun-god and the suitors in his house. Teiresias also foretold his peaceful death from the sea in old age. Ulysses then allowed his mother to drink the blood, and she recounted the state of his family in Ithaca. He also saw many illustrious women and heroes from the past, including Tyro, Antiope, Alcmena, Epicaste, Chloris, Leda, Iphimedeia, Phaedra, Procris, Ariadne, Maera, and Clymene. He spoke with the ghosts of Agamemnon, Achilles (who famously declared he'd rather be a living serf than king of the dead), and Ajax (who refused to speak due to their past dispute over Achilles' armor). Overwhelmed by the multitudes of ghosts, Ulysses quickly departed from Hades.
Ulysses continues his narrative, describing their return to Circe's island to bury Elpenor. Circe then provides further warnings and instructions for their onward journey. She advises them on how to navigate the perilous Sirens, whose enchanting songs lure sailors to their deaths. Ulysses, eager to hear their song, has his men plug their ears with wax and tie him to the mast. He listens, enthralled, as his shipmates row past. Next, they faced a choice between the wandering rocks (Splanctae) and the strait guarded by the monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis. Circe advises him to steer closer to Scylla, sacrificing six men rather than losing the entire ship to Charybdis. They endure the terrifying passage, with Scylla snatching and devouring six of his men. Finally, they reach the Thrinacian island, home to the sacred cattle of the Sun-god Hyperion. Despite Circe's and Teiresias's strict warnings not to harm the cattle, Ulysses' men, starving during his brief sleep, slaughter and eat them. Enraged, the Sun-god demands vengeance from Jove. Upon resuming their journey, Jove unleashes a thunderbolt, destroying their ship and drowning all of Ulysses' men. Ulysses alone survives, clinging to a mast and keel, drifting ultimately back to Charybdis, and then to Calypso's island, where his story began for the Phaeacians.
Ulysses concludes his tale, leaving the Phaeacians awestruck. King Alcinous praises Ulysses and ensures the collection of lavish gifts for his journey. The next morning, a bull is sacrificed to Jove, and then the Phaeacian crew prepares for departure. Ulysses, eager to return home, expresses his gratitude. The crew places Ulysses, fast asleep from weariness, on a bed on his ship. The ship sails with incredible speed, likened to a chariot drawn by four steeds, leaving a swirling wake. As dawn approaches, they reach Ithaca. The Phaeacians gently place the still-sleeping Ulysses, along with his treasures, on the shore near the haven of Phorcys and a cave of the Naiads, and then depart. Neptune, seeing Ulysses finally home, is angered by the Phaeacians' assistance. He complains to Jove, who allows Neptune to punish the Phaeacians by transforming their returning ship into a rock visible from shore. Alcinous, recognizing the fulfillment of an old prophecy, resolves to cease escorting strangers and to sacrifice to Neptune. Ulysses awakens in Ithaca, but Minerva has veiled the island in a mist to prevent immediate recognition and allow her to strategize with him. He laments his apparent fate until Minerva, disguised as a shepherd, reveals the truth and her plan to help him reclaim his kingdom.
Minerva disguises Ulysses as an old beggar, transforming his appearance to conceal his identity. She instructs him to seek out his loyal swineherd, Eumaeus, who lives in a hut built near the pigyards. She then departs for Sparta to fetch Telemachus. Ulysses makes his way through the rugged terrain, where he is almost attacked by Eumaeus's dogs. Eumaeus, unaware of the beggar's true identity, rescues him and offers him warm hospitality, sharing his food and shelter. He laments his lost master, Ulysses, and the insolent suitors who are consuming Ulysses' estate. Ulysses, in his disguise, tests Eumaeus's loyalty and subtly hints at his own return, but Eumaeus dismisses these suggestions as attempts by tramps to gain reward from Penelope. Ulysses then devises a false backstory for himself, claiming to be a Cretan who experienced many misfortunes, including a shipwreck and enslavement. He reiterates his belief that Ulysses will return soon. Eumaeus remains unconvinced but promises continued hospitality. The swineherd and his men sacrifice a boar for supper, sharing it generously with Ulysses. Ulysses, observing the harsh weather, tells a fabricated tale of needing a cloak during an ambush at Troy, prompting Eumaeus to lend him his own cloak for the night.
Minerva visits Telemachus and Pisistratus in Lacedaemon, urging Telemachus to return to Ithaca quickly to prevent his mother from remarrying and to safeguard his inheritance. She warns him of the suitors' ambush in the strait and advises him to land at a different part of the island and seek out the swineherd Eumaeus first. Telemachus informs Menelaus of his imminent departure. Menelaus prepares generous parting gifts. A favorable omen of an eagle carrying a goose is interpreted by Helen as a sign of Ulysses' return and the suitors' doom. Telemachus and Pisistratus depart, but Telemachus insists on going directly to his ship at Pylos, not wanting to delay by visiting Nestor again. At Pylos, Telemachus encounters Theoclymenus, a prophet fleeing from Argos after committing homicide. Theoclymenus requests passage to Ithaca, and Telemachus agrees, offering him hospitality. Another omen, a hawk with a dove, is interpreted by Theoclymenus as a sign of Telemachus's enduring royal lineage. Telemachus sends Theoclymenus to Piraeus's house in the city and then heads alone to Eumaeus's hut.
At Eumaeus's hut, Ulysses (still disguised) and the swineherd are preparing breakfast when Telemachus arrives. The loyal dogs greet Telemachus joyfully, alerting Ulysses to his son's presence. Eumaeus is overcome with emotion, embracing Telemachus as a father would his long-lost son. Telemachus inquires about his mother's marital status. He offers hospitality to the disguised Ulysses but wishes to keep him away from the insolent suitors to avoid harm. Ulysses, still in disguise, tests Telemachus's resolve against the suitors. Minerva appears to Ulysses, unseen by Telemachus or Eumaeus, and signals for Ulysses to reveal himself to his son. Minerva magically restores Ulysses' youth and appearance. Telemachus is astonished, initially believing his father to be a god, but Ulysses lovingly reassures him. Father and son share a tearful reunion. They then discuss strategy for dealing with the suitors. Telemachus expresses concern about their overwhelming numbers, but Ulysses reveals that Minerva and Jove will aid them. They formulate a plan: Telemachus will return to the palace, gather all the weapons and hide them, making an excuse involving smoke damage and potential drunken brawls among the suitors. He is to leave only two swords, spears, and shields for himself and Ulysses. They also agree to keep Ulysses' return a secret from everyone else until the opportune moment. The servant who brought Telemachus back informs Penelope of his return, while Eumaeus delivers the news to her privately.
Telemachus instructs Eumaeus to bring the disguised Ulysses to the city later, while he goes to comfort his mother. Penelope is overjoyed by Telemachus's return and questions him about his journey. He recounts his visits to Nestor and Menelaus, and Menelaus's account of Ulysses being held by Calypso. Theoclymenus reinforces the prophecy of Ulysses being already in Ithaca, preparing vengeance. Meanwhile, Ulysses and Eumaeus set off for the city. On the way, they encounter Melanthius, the disloyal goatherd, who insults Ulysses and kicks him. Ulysses endures the abuse in silence. Upon reaching the palace, Ulysses' old dog, Argos, recognizes his master after twenty years and, with one last wag of his tail, dies. Telemachus covertly provides food to Ulysses. Minerva urges Ulysses to beg from the suitors to test their character. Antinous further insults Ulysses and refuses to give him food, even throwing a footstool at him. Ulysses calmly endures the blow, but prays for Antinous's doom. Penelope, hearing of the beggar's mistreatment, expresses her anger towards Antinous and sends for the beggar, hoping for news of Ulysses. Eumaeus relays Ulysses' desire to be interviewed by Penelope after sunset, away from the suitors' violence.
A local beggar named Irus, known for his gluttony, arrives and challenges Ulysses to a fight, demanding he vacate his usual begging spot. The suitors encourage the fight, offering a prize of a goat's paunch and permission to dine with them. Ulysses, though old, reveals his muscular build, astonishing the suitors and intimidating Irus. Before fighting, Ulysses extracts an oath from the suitors not to interfere unfairly. In the ensuing boxing match, Ulysses delivers a soft but decisive blow, breaking Irus's jaw and knocking him unconscious. Ulysses drags Irus out of the courtyard as a warning. The suitors congratulate Ulysses, and Amphinomus, one of the more reasonable suitors, offers him food and drink. Ulysses, in turn, warns Amphinomus to leave the palace before Ulysses' unannounced return brings destruction. Minerva, however, has doomed Amphinomus. Penelope, inspired by Minerva, decides to appear before the suitors to stir their hearts and gain valuable gifts. She rebukes Telemachus for allowing the beggar's mistreatment. Penelope then tricks the suitors by telling them that Ulysses had instructed her to choose a new husband once Telemachus came of age. This prompts the suitors to bring her lavish gifts. Later, outside, Melantho, another disloyal maid, insults Ulysses. Eurymachus also mocks Ulysses, offering him work, which Ulysses defiantly rejects, asserting his own abilities and hinting at Ulysses' return. Enraged, Eurymachus throws a footstool at Ulysses, but it hits the cupbearer instead. Telemachus intervenes, asserting his authority, and the suitors, after making libations, disperse to their homes for the night.
Ulysses and Telemachus execute their plan to remove the weapons from the hall. Telemachus instructs Euryclea to send the maids to their rooms, claiming he is moving the armor to prevent smoke damage. With Minerva illuminating their path, they move all the arms to the storeroom. Telemachus initially marvels at the light, hinting at divine presence, but Ulysses tells him it's a god and sends him to bed. Penelope then descends to the living area to speak with the disguised Ulysses. Melantho again insults Ulysses, but Penelope rebukes her. Penelope questions Ulysses about his identity and his knowledge of her husband. Ulysses invents a detailed, plausible story of his Cretan origin and his past interactions with Ulysses, including a description of Ulysses' appearance and clothing. Penelope is moved to tears by his story, especially when he vividly describes a brooch she herself gave Ulysses. He further claims to have recently heard that Ulysses is alive among the Thesprotians and will return soon, confirming this with an oath. Penelope, though still skeptical, asks her maids to wash the stranger's feet. Euryclea, Ulysses' old nurse, recognizes a distinctive scar on his leg while washing his feet—a scar from a boar hunt on Mount Parnassus in his youth. Her excitement nearly betrays Ulysses' identity, but he silences her and warns her to keep his secret. Penelope, still unaware, then confides in Ulysses about a dream involving an eagle killing her twenty geese, which Ulysses interprets as his impending return and slaughter of the suitors. Penelope then announces a test for the suitors: she will marry the man who can string Ulysses' bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe-handles.