The Odyssey (Book Thirteen-Book Fifteen)

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       The end of the journey is near for Odysseus but there are a few loose ends that need finished before Odysseus can step foot in his home as its king. Book Thirteen sums up the end of Odysseus' journey back to his homeland. King Alcinous and his people give Odysseus more plunder then he would have gained if he were to have just journeyed home. On the ride over to Ithaca, Odysseus is over come by sleep. Homer describes this sleep as "the sleep of death itself" (92). Considering the trials Odysseus has faced this sleep is well-deserved. It is only after the Phaeacians drop off Odysseus and his gifts that Poseidon recognizes his nemesis. After groveling to Zeus about the unfairness of the situation, Zeus gives Poseidon permission to drown the Phaeacians ship. Even though the gods view Phaeacia with great pleasure, Poseidon does not want these mere mortals to believe that they have the ability to surpass his power.This disaster was prophesied by a previous king and it is only after the people of Phaeacia see this terrible fate that they understand the importance of their ability to sail. At that point they resolve to abandon their hospitality of helping travelers and honor Poseidon for his power.
        At this point Athena steps in to help Odysseus on the last part of his journey. After waking up on the shore of Ithaca, Odysseus is arrogant enough to believe that the Phaeacians left him on an unknown land. In all actuality Athena had thrown a mist over Ithaca in order to conceal the arrival of its king. Athena speaks with Odysseus disguised as a shepherd and only after he tries to mask his own identity does she know he is ready to face the truth. Having known the danger that awaits Odysseus, Athena reveals herself to the king and explains the plan she has in place for him. She tells him of the suitors, about his faithful wife, and the whereabouts of his son. She finishes by telling him to hide out with Eumaeus, the king's swineherd. Before they part she disguises his physical features with that of an old beggar. Athena wants Odysseus to understand the delicacy of his predicament. Through this disguise he will be able to see the motives of people.
    Book Fourteen begins with a description of Eumaeus' land. This man holds onto the hope that his king will return and is loyal to the invisible leader. This simple description of Eumaeus speaks volumes to the

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leadership of Odysseus. He took care of the people under him and wanted them to live comfortably. This simple swine-herder is willing to continue his duty to its fullest. Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, walks to the house and is immediately charged by the four dogs that Eumaeus trained to protect the swine. Eumaeus calls the dogs away from Odysseus and invites this "beggar" inside for bread and wine. The hospitality of this servant shows the character of the man. He takes Odysseus in as a beggar without any question and offers him food and a place to rest his body. Once inside Eumaeus states, "Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus / and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us, / they'll find it welcome" (66-68). This simple phrase compares to the bible verse in Matthew chapter 25 verse 40, "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" The connection of these passages helps the reader to understand the significance of the faithful people of this time. Through listening to Eumaeus' stories of the recent status of the land, Odysseus is able to gather information on how to penetrate the debauchery of his kingdom. After becoming weary of discussing his masters eminent doom, Eumaeus ask Odysseus how he came to land on Ithaca. Knowing Eumaeus would never believe him, Odysseus tells a tale of sorrow that begins in Crete. In this story he mentions that he heard word of Odysseus being alive. Eumaeus is cordial enough to let him finish his tale, but believes nothing about his masters whereabouts. He had seen too many crooks try to pass off information to the Queen in order to gain wealth. Even though Eumaeus speaks as if he knows Odysseus has perished when it comes time to eat he prays to the gods to "Bring him home, our wise Odysseus, home at last!" (479). The hospitality of Eumaeus is shown when he gives Odysseus, the choice piece of pork, the long loin,  from the freshly slaughtered boar. Odysseus is pleased to see that even with all the changes amongst his kingdom Eumaeus' character has stayed in tact. After supper then men prepare for bed. The sneaky Odysseus tells of a tale that centers around the generosity of men. At the end of this story Eumaeus sees through this tale and gives Odysseus a heavy cloak that is saved for winter nights. The book ends with Eumaeus  preparing to sleep outside with the livestock. Odysseus is overjoyed that his servant still serves his master in this manner.

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     Athena opens up Book Fifteen with wise words to Telemachus. She tells him of Penelope's dilemma, as her father and family have pushed her towards marrying the suitor, Eurymachus. Athena warns Telemachus of the suitors plot to attack him on the sea and assures him that his trip home will be protected. Telemachus never sees Athena but is alert enough to wake his host to inform Nestor's son that they must, "head for home at once" (53). Pisistratus tells Telemachus to wait until morning so they can receive gifts from the host for their passage home. Once morning had come Telemachus informs King Menelaus that he must journey home. The King insist on having a celebration for their departure, but Telemachus becomes firm in his resolve to travel home quickly. This comes from the fact that he understand the dangers that await his arrival. In turn, Menelaus throws a quick celebration, that incorporates the King and Queen giving gifts to the young men and pushes them on their way. As they get ready to depart "...an eagle clutching a huge white goose in its talons" flies by the town (180). Helen reads this as a positive omen for Telemachus stating that his father Odysseus would soon descend on the kingdom and take revenge on the suitors. After reaching Pylos, Telemachus asks Pisistratus, as a brother, to take him directly to his ship. King Nestor would only delay his journey longer with a required celebration. Pisistratus respects the request and sees Telemachus off before his father learns of their return. Before Telemachus sets sail he meets Theoclymenus, a prophet's son. This fugitive killed a man from his own tribe and ask for passage on Telemachus' ship. Of course being the hospitable man he is, Telemachus welcomes the fugitive with open arms. (Who wouldn't want a murderer on their ship?)
     The epic then jumps back to Odysseus and Eumaeus. The beggar wants to go to town and to the castle of King Odysseus in order to earn his living. Eumaeus finds this logic insane because of how the suitors treat servants. Unannounced to Eumaeus, Odysseus has other motives to be in the castle. Mainly in order to gain information and learn about his wife and sons whereabouts. Odysseus changes his mind when Eumaeus tries to convince him to stay at the swine-herders humble home. Eumaeus begins by telling Odysseus of Anticlea's fate and how the whole kingdom changed after her death. Through the story Odysseus became curious of Eumaeus' life and asks for him to entertain his interest. Eumaeus obliges and following the story, they both drift off to sleep.
    The story returns to Telemachus as he reaches his beloved Ithaca. Having landed, Theoclymenus asks the prince where he should stay. During this discussion  a hawk rips out the feathers of a dove that has been captured by its claws. Theoclymenus, being a prophet's son, informs Telemachus that his bloodline will reign forever in Ithaca. The closing of the book shows Telemachus reaching Eumaeus' home.