The Aeneid (Book Seven-Book Nine)

       Book Seven opens with Virgil alluding to Circe a character known from The Odyssey. The Trojan's pass by this goddess with the help of Neptune. The god helps them to escape her enchanting ways by pushing them with a strong wind. They reach the Tiber river and Aeneas has the muse, Erato, continue with his epic and dives into the state of Latium. King Latinus only has one daughter who is ready for marriage. Many suitors want her hand but the one who stands out is Turnus. The Queen believes the young people should marry but the King has seen many signs from the gods that alarm him to block the courtship. After seeing an oracle of fire the King seeks out answers to the mystery of this sight. The King makes sacrifices and hears a voice that says:

"Never seek to marry your daughter to a Latin,  

put no trust, my son, in a marriage ready-made.

Strangers will come, and come to be your sons

and their lifeblood will lift our name to the stars.

Their sons' sons will see, wherever the wheeling Sun

looks down on the Ocean, rising or setting, East or West,

the whole earth turn beneath their feet, their rule!" (106-112)

This was prophesied while the Trojans were on the banks of Latium. The men are driven by Jove to devour all the food and are driven to start eating their platters. Ascanius jokes that the men are eating their dishes and Aeneas is immediately struck by this event and remembers the sign Anchises gave his son to know what land they were to conquer. Aeneas prays to his parents and the gods while rumors spread among the Trojan ranks that this is the land that will be established by them.They explore the land and the city of Latium while Aeneas starts building. He sends some of his men to greet King Latinus. The King welcomes the men with

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open arms, asks how they got to the land, he is also curious as to the wants of the men. Ilioneus assures the king they did not land on Latium by chance and ask for a piece of the land to settle on. The Trojans offer King Latinus gifts and promise that no harm will come to their city. Latinus offers the foreigners all they wish for, but remembering the omen offers his daughters hand in marriage to Aeneas, as well. Juno's wrath is viewed again, when she sees Trojan ships on the shore and men working the land. This goddess has a temper and can not truly understand when enough is enough. Her rage can only be quenched when Aeneas and his men have suffered long and hard. She is willing to let Aeneas marry the princess but she will do everything in her power to delay the whole affair and cause suffering along the way. Juno uses Allecto, mother of sorrows, to create havoc for the Trojans and Latins. Allecto uses one of her snakes and plummets it into the queens bosom and drives the queen mad. The queen, under the spell of Allecto, tries to convince Latinus not to marry their

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daughter to a foreigner. The King's mind is made up and the queen storms off in a rage. Allecto's power create dissonance between the townspeople and their king. They become scared of what the foreigners will do to their precious land. Allecto then visits Turnus and informs him that his "...scepter's handed over / to settlers fresh from Troy!" (493-494). Turnus mocks Allecto's words because he does not believe them to be true. Allecto "ignites in[to a] rage" and makes Turnus turn in terror. The prophetess ignites a fire in the young King that hurls him into a war march on the Trojans and Latins. Ascanius ends up killing a prized stag of the shepherds, with the help of Allecto. The animal is able to retreat back to its caretakers before dying and through the help of Juno the herdsmen rally for war. With the help of Allecto a battle wages on between the herdsmen and the Trojans. This battle leaves many dead from both sides. Juno is pleased with Allecto's creation of chaos but summons her back home because she has no more use for the "mother of sorrow". The people of the town pressure the king to counteract this massacre and go into an all out war with the Trojans. Latinus stands firm in his resolve and feels like the gods are plotting against him. With continued outcry Latinus throws up his hands about the whole matter and tells the people the bloodshed is on their own hands. The kings reaction replicates that of Pontius Pilate in the Gospels. He knows if he sides with the crowd he is doomed; however in that moment the crowd will not allow for any other decision. Latinus refuses to open the Gates of War for the people, so in order to continue in her havoc Juno opens the gates herself. The book closes with descriptions of warriors that Turnus leads to battle including a woman warrior.
      Book Eight begins with Turnus rallying the whole land of Latium to fight against the Trojans. Aeneas is overwhelmed so he sleeps and the god of the river, old Tiber, visit Aeneas. He tells Aeneas there is nothing to be afraid of and explains to the warrior how the Trojans will win the war. Aeneas wakes up and prays to old Tiber and the nymphs for protection. While preparing his ships Aeneas sees a bright, white sow with her brood, this animal was prophesied by old Tiber and  is used as a sacrifice to Juno. The men sail on Tiber's river in order to reach the city of Arcadia in order to form an alliance. With the help of the river god they make it safely to their possible allies. The Trojans are greeted by fear from the townspeople. Considering they showed up in a ship ready for war I would be leery of them as well. Aeneas extends peace to the land and ask to see their king, Evander. Aeneas tells Evander of their connections through blood lines and ask for

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evander_of_Pallene

help with their fight against their common enemy, the Latins. Evander gladly becomes allies and asks the men to join them in the towns celebration of annual rites. After feasting Evander tells the visitors what started these festivities. The story is that of Hercules eliminating the threat of the monster, Cacus, from the town. After explaining the purpose of the feast, the king and his visitors eat and drink more until the time comes for the priests to join the festivities. The priests reenact the battles of their beloved Hercules. "With the holy rites performed in full, / they turned back to the city" (362-363). During their travel back King Evander tells many stories "...of the men of old" (368). He tells Aeneas how this land became unified and the significance behind different artifacts. Specifically he shows Aeneas the Altar of Carmentis, who was the first nymph  to "...foresee the greatness of Aeneas' sons" (399). Evander takes Aeneas to his home where they all fall asleep. Jump to Venus. She begs her husband, Vulcan, to craft weapons for Aeneas to protect him in this inevitable war. Not only does she beg but she uses her beauty to seduce an answer out of Vulcan. Surprisingly enough she believes her deception to be working but Vulcan calls Venus out and tells her that if she had been this passionate about the Trojan war with the Greeks the outcome may have been different. They fall asleep in each others arms and the next morning Vulcan heads to his home, a volcano. Vulcan tells the Cyclops to stop working on there current projects and all focus on making armor for "...a man of courage!" (520). Jump back to King Evander and Aeneas. The king awakes from his sleep and find Aeneas also awake. The men finally have a serious discussion about the upcoming war. Evander tells Aeneas of neighboring lands who tried to attack Turnus before but were stopped by the gods who warned them that a foreigner must lead them. The King ultimately believes that Aeneas is that leader and gives a few warriors

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from his own village to help Aeneas in the battle. He also has Aeneas take Pallas, the prince, with him in order to educate the young man in the art of war. Aeneas is leery of the whole ordeal and only after Venus sends a sign does he truly believe in his ability to fight. The men return to the bank they originally landed on and gear up for war. Evander draws out his goodbye to Pallas and reminisces about his time in battle. The men march on land for a day. When they come to a resting point Venus catches her beloved son by himself. Venus presents Aeneas with the gift of armor. He delights in the craftsmanship of each piece and specifically notices the shield. The shield is significant because it depicts the story of "...Italy, Rome in all her triumphs" (739). The last few pages of the book describe this magnificent piece of metal-work in detail.
     Book Nine beings with Iris telling Turnus to attack the Trojan camp. The main reason being because Aeneas is away finding comrades to help fight their enemy. Turnus heeds this advice and attacks the camp. Under orders from Aeneas the Trojan's retreat into the walls of the camp for safety. Turnus can not stand waiting outside the camp walls for the Trojans. Virgil describes him as a hungry wolf waiting for a sheep.

"As a wolf prowling in wait around some crowded sheepfold,

bearing the wind and rain in the dead of night, howls

at chinks in the fence, and the lambs keep bleating on..." (Lines 68-74)

Because he does not find a weakness in the Trojan fortress, Turnus resolve to burn their fleet. The fleet has been blessed so that it will never be destroyed by human hands. Berecynthian Mother of Gods, pleaded with Jove to grant her prayer. The ships were built with wood from Berecynthian's forest. Her plea,

"May these galleys never be wrecked on any passage out

or overpowered by whirling storms at sea,

let their birth on our mountains be a blessing!" (106-108).

is answered by Jove. He states that the ships will not be burned but when the time comes they will turn into water nymphs. As Turnus and his men go towards the fleet a voice is heard from the sky that commands the ships to "Run free...you nymphs of the sea!" (137). The vessels snap their cables and sail out to sea. They dive underwater and resurface as beautiful, virgins. The Latins and their allies are amazed of this omen, but Turnus is not amused and speaks out against all of these "signs". He does not believe that they mean anything and he orders men to stand guard outside the Trojan fort while the Trojans continue to reinforce their walls.

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Nisus and Euryalus, Trojan warriors, are eager for glory amongst their comrades. The two young soldiers asks Ascanius and the council if they can try and slip past enemy lines in order to get word to Aeneas. They are granted this wish and promised gold, women, servants and more if they complete the mission. Ascanius promises that if they die on the mission their families and kin will receive the promised gifts. The two head out and create a bloodbath amongst the drunk, sleeping enemy. Euryalus takes pieces of Rhamnes' armor as they pass by his body. This proves to be fatal, because as the two Trojans escape into a wooded area a troop of cavalry from the Latin city pass by and see the helmet glint in the moonlight. The calvary try to stop the young men and question them but they boys run away. Nisus is able to escape; however, when he turns back to find his friend he hears the shouts of Euryalus being captured. His captors use Euryalus' death as a way to lure Nisus out of hiding. After trying to free his friend the young warrior is also killed, but only after slaughtering some of the Rutulians. The two warriors' heads are placed on "pikestaffs" and are paraded around in order to taunt the Trojans. Euryalus' mother is overcome with grief and shouts out for the whole world to hear about the desperation she feels because of her son's death. After her outcry an all out battle begins against the Trojan fortress. Turnus is able to attack with a flaming torch and opens up a hole into the Trojans' defenses. There is an abundance of killing and Ascanius gets his first taste of a real battle. After being mocked by Numanus for his style of fighting Ascanius prays to Jove for "...assent to the daring work [Jove] has in hand!" (712) and he slaughters the prideful warrior. The young prince is applauded for his courage and is fated to have many more profitable years of killing from Apollo. The god also tells Ascanius to retreat for another day but, the men keep on fighting. The killing continues throughout the battleground and Turnus finds a whole in the ranks. He uses it to get past the Trojan defenses in order to sneak into their camp. The Trojan gates are closed in order to keep out the enemy, but, sadly Turnus was only noticed after the gate had been closed. After much carnage from the hands of Turnus the Trojans band together and corner the fighter. The book ends with Turnus' narrow escape through the waters of the Tiber river.

The Aeneid (Book Four-Book Six)

   Book Four recreates the idea of an over-dramatic soap opera. The book opens with Queen Dido being

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filled with passionate love for Aeneas. She confesses this love to her "sister of her soul", Anna (11). Her "sister" pushes her to pursue this love and tells the Queen to make an excuse for the Romans to stay. Dido prays to the gods for answers and gives sacrifices to appease them for wisdom. She is so enamored by the Trojan that she starts to neglect her duties as queen. Juno plots against Aeneas and compromises with Venus to let the two lovers marry. Venus sees through this deception, but lets the plot continue. Queen Dido invites the Trojans to join the huntsman and herself on a hunt. While in the countryside Juno casts a storm and splits up the group. Dido is so overcome with emotions from the circumstances that she declares her love to Aeneas. After which the two are "married" by the storm.  Rumors fly quickly of the scandal that has taken place. Queen Dido was known for being independent and turning away suitors. This strange Trojan appears on the land and the Queen is "head over heels" in love. Virgil is able to personify the action of a rumor and describe it in such a manner that gives it life. "She thrives on speed, stronger for every stride, / slight with fear at first, soon soaring into the air" (221-222). King Iarbas hears of this union and is outraged. His kingdom had kindly given land to Queen Dido when she was in need, but she refused to marry one of the many suitors from the motherland. The King prays to Jove about the matter so Jove sends Mercury to tell Aeneas that he must travel onward to the rightful land he was promised, Italy. Aeneas orders his men to prepare for travel with out any words to the townspeople. Queen Dido hears of this movement and becomes confused. It amazes me that Aeneas truly believed that he could leave without anyone noticing. When confronted by Dido, Aeneas tries to explain that his allegiance lies to his homeland of Troy. In his mind he never entered a marriage pact with this woman. Aeneas then tells Dido that it is not his will to leave but that of his father, son, and the gods. He is obligated to his family and the gods to settle the land of Italy. Queen Dido responds with fury and goes back to her bridal chamber. "But Aeneas / is driven by duty now" (495-496). Queen Dido sends word to plead with Aeneas to wait for better weather before he voyages on,

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specifically wind. The Trojan refuses to hear her pleas and the Queen resolves to either win his love back or lose her love for him. The love struck women in her resolve sees the only solution to losing love is death. This chain of events brings to mind the simple quote of, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorn" originally written by William Congreve in The Mourning Bride. Dido continually tries to plot ways to regain her integrity amongst her kingdom. She is ashamed that she let a man take advantage of her. Aeneas is warned of these plots in a dream by Mercury and orders the men to prepare to set sail. Dawn breaks as the men prepare and Queen Dido sees them being to leave. The last few pages of the book describe the drama of Queen Dido's suicide. Virgil takes the time to explore the events that surround this death but makes sure to show the emotions that also follow. Overall this book starts off with love and happiness and breaks into death and despair.
     Book Five gives way to celebration and destruction for Aeneas and his men. They travel further into the ocean and the winds pick up so Palinurus, the pilot, recommends they head for Sicily, Acestes land. After landing Aeneas brother, Acestes, greets them. Aeneas recommends having funeral games for his father Achises whose bones were laid to rest on the land. These plans are put into effect and preparations begin for the games. Before the games begin sacrifices are made in order to help Achises' spirit. People come to the games for the chance to see Aeneas and his men on top of the excitement of the games. The first event is a boat race. After some "smooth" sailing prizes are given out to the first, second and third place boats. A foot race, the second event, is started and ends in some controversy. When a runner that tripped unintentionally trips another in order to gain placement, the hinder contestant complains. Aeneas firmly states that the prizes are set but he gives a consolation prize to the cheated competitor. The third event is boxing. The underdog, Entellus, wins with the help of the gods. Archery is the fourth event. Acestes is the oldest contestant and still

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wins after shooting his arrow for practice. A parade of the warriors then goes down the streets of Sicily. Once at the theater round, mock displays of war occur for the entertainment of the townspeople. The games come to an end leading to misfortune for the Trojans. Juno sends Iris to create sabotage among the Trojan people. Iris meets the women of Troy disguised as an aged wife of Doryclus. The Trojan women are distraught that they are still sailing seven years after the war and Iris tries to use this consternation to persuade the women to burn the ships. Pyrgo, a retired royal nurse, sees through Iris disguise and calls her out. The goddess becomes a firestorm and creates chaos in the camp. Only after Aeneas arrives do the woman become calm again because "Juno is driven from their hearts" (751). Aeneas prays to Jove to rescue the ships from the fire. Jove sends a massive rain to quench the fire's destruction. After begin distraught about the chain of events. Natues, an old wise man, tells Aeneas to only take the men who are willing to go to Italy and leave the rest in Sicily. Aeneas does not truly know what to do until his father comes to him in a dream and tells him to listen to Natues. His father also tells Aeneas to visit him in the House of Death to learn more about his journey ahead. Aeneas resolves to follow through with his fathers command and sorts out the details with Acestes. The book then jumps to Venus who is venting about Juno's untamed wrath. She asks Neptune to grant Aeneas safe passage the rest of the way. Neptune appeases Venus' wishes, but warns that one of the men will die. While out at sea, Palinurus refuses to listen to Neptune when he tries to take over for the pilot. The man finally gives in to sleep and is thrown off the ship as a causality of the gods.
       Book Six starts off with Aeneas letting Neptune direct the ship the rest of the journey to Cumae's beaches. The men land their safely and Aeneas goes to Apollo's temple, as per Achises request. While Aeneas prays to Apollo for answers, he is met by Sibyl, a priestess. She is forced to tell Aeneas of his hard fate and that the city he will establish will originally be a Greek area. He learns that fighting will be needed in order to gain control of the land. Aeneas is ready to face the challenges but request permission to see his father in the House of Death. Sibyl warns Aeneas that getting down there is not a challenge, it is the getting out part. The priestess tells Aeneas to go to a sacred tree made of gold and pick a branch. If he can take a branch from the tree he may go on; if not his fate, no amount of strength or weapon can free a branch. The priestess tells Aeneas that he must first bury the body of a friend from his people before he can venture onto the House of Death. Aeneas sees Misenus dead on the shore and understands the priestess' words. They men prepare Misenus for burial while Aeneas sees two doves fly around and views this as a sign for the golden tree. He follows the birds and finds the tree. Without much effort at all he is able to tear off a branch. After the rites of the dead man are performed Aeneas hurriedly continues on his quest. Aeneas returns to Sibyl and she shows him to the doomed gate. Before he reaches the gate he is met by ghastly creatures and Sibyl tells Aeneas to hold out his sword without fear. Even through concern Aeneas holds out his sword and the monsters disappear into thin air. The duo comes to the Acheron river that is guarded by Charon and leads to the underworld. The bank is crowded with the dead waiting for passage on the boat. Some are turned away and Sibyl has to explain to Aeneas that "no spirits may be conveyed / across the horrendous banks and hoarse, roaring flood / until their bones are buried, and they rest in peace" (371-373). Aeneas sees men that he recognizes from battle including Palinurus. The pilot begs Aeneas to bury his body so he can be at peace and cross the river. Sibyl cuts off the warrior's groveling and predicts that his body will be buried. The priestess shows Charon the golden branch as a bride for passage across and the protector drops

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
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them off on the marsh across the river. Aeneas sees people that he knows as the two walk through different areas in the underworld, in particular the Trojan sees Queen Dido. He stops and tries to explain what happened, but she turns away and goes toward her long-lost, husband. Many of Aeneas comrades come to talk with him, specifically Deiphobus. After being mutilated Deiphobus joined these men in the underworld. Aeneas ask the warrior how he came to this awful fate. The man relays the story of the night in Troy when many of his comrades were slain and how he was betrayed by Spartan whore. Sibyl then interrupts the men and pushes Aeneas onward. As they walk she explains the different torture and torments that are used in the underworld. The two continue on and make it to the pleasant side of the House of Death. They venture on to find Achises and find him in one of the many pleasant groves. Achises is overcome with emotion when he sees his son, Aeneas. Father and son talk about the future lineage of Aeneas and Achises makes reference to Caesar Augustus and how he will "bring back the Age of Gold" (915). Another fate of Rome is said to be King Numa who will be the "first king to found our Rome on laws" (934). Achises makes a reference to the conquering of Corinth. This city can also be seen in the book of Corinthians from the bible, which is formatted as a collection of letters to the people of Corinth. Achises continues to warn his son of the troubles that will be faced in Rome and ends with this passage:

"But you, Roman, remember, rule with all you power

the peoples of the earth --these will be your arts:

to put your stamp on the works and ways of peace,

to spare the defeated, break the proud in war" (981-984)

After telling his son of his fate, Achises warns Aeneas what must happen before the city can be established. Aeneas is headed toward the city of Latium and is warned that he should "shun or shoulder each ordeal / that he must meet" (1028). The book closes with Aeneas and his crew pulling up anchors and sailing away to Latium.

The Aeneid (Introduction-Book Three)

http://www.thefamouspeople.com/
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        Publius Vergilius Maro, Virgil for short, lived in a time of tension and crime amongst the Roman horizon. He became the "supreme Roman poet" and gave life to the story of Rome's origin, this being The Aeneid. Virgil did not become a Roman citizen until he was a young man because he lived in the village of Andes. This Italian village was not granted Roman citizenship until the people fought for these rights. Even after becoming a Roman citizens Virgil's writing has "...a constant and vibrant / undertone of sympathy for and identification with the Italians..."(3). Furthermore The Aeneid has been to compared, as the Roman version of The Odyssey and The Iliad. There are numerous instances in which Virgil's epic coincides with that of Homers. Unlike Homer, Virgil was also very conscience of history. His epic references accounts for different historical events, creating a more unified story. This epic was supposed to be destroyed after his death, because it was not finished; however even after the death of Virgil in 19 B.C. his stories continue to gain popularity. This epic in particular became the ultimate guide to Roman history and was predominantly used in schools. It came to a point were people believe that by opening Virgil's work and pointing at a passage you could learn your fate.

"War and a man I sing..."(1).

       The epic begins with the introduction of Juno, the queen of the gods. Juno hates the Trojans because they are destined to overthrow her beloved city of Carthage. Also when put to judgement Paris, a Trojan, said that Venus was more beautiful then Juno. The story then opens to the Trojan's on open water escaping the slaughter of the Greeks. Juno bribes King Aeolus, Lord of Winds, to free the winds in order to create a storm around Aeneas' fleet. Holding on for dear life Aeneas, the protagonist, prays to the gods. Neptune notices the storm and scolds the winds for escaping. He tells them that, "Power over the sea and ruthless trident is mine, / not his -- it's mine by lot, by destiny" (162-163). Neptune calms the sea so that Aeneas and his men are able to find the closest land, Libya's coast. Aeneas starts a fire while his men rest their weary bodies. A connection between The Aeneid and The Odyssey are the protagonist. These men are both travelers who are pushed certain directions because of the gods. One major difference between these men thus far is seen by the humility of Aeneas. While Odysseus is humble at times, for major parts of the epic he gets himself into more trouble because he is arrogant. The men morn for the deaths of their comrades in the storm. The epic then returns to the gods while Venus begs Jove, Jupiter, for the safe travels of Aeneas and his men. She reminds him of Aeneas' fate and is told that these events would come to pass by Jupiter. Jump back to the protagonist and his men. Aeneas goes out with Achates to scout the land while the crew recuperates on the beach. The men meet Venus on their travel disguised as a young huntress. Aeneas recognizes that she is a goddess. Venus denies that she is a goddess but informs them where they have landed and the history behind the ruler. Aeneas then laments about his hardships that got him to this place. Unable to listen anymore Venus stops him short and tells him that the other ships made it to land safely, she also reads the flight of swans as a good omen for Aeneas. As Venus walks away Aeneas recognizes her as his mother and she speeds off in order to not discuss anything further. The two men continue their travel and make their way to the city. Venus puts a cloud around the men in order to not alarm the citizens of their arrival. Aeneas and Achates are amazed at how much the town has changed and after seeing a mural of the war, he just left, Aeneas cries out asking if he will ever get away from these reminders. Dido, the queen of Carthage, is seen amongst her court. Aeneas is elated to see the men he thought had perished speaking to the queen. He waits to approach them in order to see what they are discussing with the queen. These weary travels appeal to the queen for mercy and promise they will not plunder the land, Prince Ilionesu reminisces

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of his lost leader and Queen Dido openly welcomes the men. She request that some of her trusty men scour the coast to search for the lost leader. Aeneas and Achates go towards the queen and men and Aeneas reveals himself to the crowd. Aeneas greets the Queen and openly praises her beauty. The Queen relates back to how she heard of the leader. She leads him into the royal halls, but she does not forget Aeneas' men  still on the beach and sends them a plethora of livestock. Aeneas sends Achates back to the ship for Ascanius, his son, and gifts for the Queen. Venus plots to keep Aeneas and his men with Queen Dido because they have suffered for so long. She sends cupid, another one of her sons, to replace Ascanius while Venus hides the boy in the Idalian grove. Cupid, disguised as Ascanius, enters the castle with Achates and the many gifts. The two enter the royal hall while servants dote on Aeneas and the men. They admire the gifts and Ascanius. While being held by Queen Dido Cupid breaths love and passion into the lady for Aeneas. At the feast Queen Dido prays to Jupiter and Juno.While the guest enjoy the feast and entertainment, Queen Dido questions Aeneas about details from the war. The book ends with her asking Aeneas to tell his story.
       Book Two opens up with Aeneas diving right into his recollection of the Troy's last hours. Even though it grieves him Aeneas is willing to tell his recollection of this tragic event. The Greek's built a large horse shaped offering. The Romans were divided on the safety of this "gift". Many of the men did not know quite sure what the purpose would be of such a large, wooden, object. Laocoon, priest of Neptune, is suspicious of the horse and throws a spear at its belly. A Greek captive is then brought to the men and through and through his groveling cast off any doubts had by the Romans. Aeneas makes sure to lament about how wrong the Romans were in believing the traitor. This stranger, Sinon, lies about his allegiance to Greece and blames Ulysses for his troubles.  Sinon tells of how they only way the Greek's believed they could sail away from this land was to sacrifice a Greek man. His depressing tale ultimately blindsides the Romans. The tale spun by Sinon climaxes when he prays for acceptance in his betrayal of information to the enemy. He says that the Greeks believe that Athena opposes them and the only way for these men to revitalize their strategy is by going home and re-grouping. The horse was made as a "sacrifice" to Athena to help them return safely home. The size of the horse was to hinder the Romans ability to move it into their city. It was believed that if moved the Romans would be looked upon with delight. Sinon does a magnificent job spinning his tale. The linchpin

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occurs when Laocoon is killed by two serpents after they killed his young sons. This is seen as a bad omen, and the Romans believe in the power of this wooden creature. The Romans gladly wheel it into the city, while the Greeks wait inside ready to attack. When the city is overtaken by slumber Sinon opens the horse. Aeneas dreams of seeing an old friend, Prince Hector who warns Aeneas of the slaughter. After seeing the massacre taking place Aeneas calls on his men to defend the city, even with Panthus' plea that their is no hope for the city. These men go into the heart of the battle and catch a Greek, Androgeos, off guard. Having believed their were no Roman warriors around Androgeos gloats about plundering the city. After slaughtering Greek soldiers, Coroebus recommends putting on Greek insignia in order to confuse the enemy warriors. This works for a time but when Romans come to defend their city they kill anyone in Greek regalia. In turn many of Aeneas' men were killed at the hand of comrades. Aeneas escapes through a secret passage that leads to a high vantage point that gives the warrior the ability to see his city under ruin. The Greeks are able to take out the Roman defenses and the men, believed to have journeyed home, ambush the beloved city. Aeneas sees King Priam killed and is reminded of his father and son. The warrior becomes enraged at the sight of Helen because she will be able to return to her home and family. Having been the whole reason this war began, Aeneas resolves to kill the woman. Venus, Aeneas' mother, calms him down by reminding him of his family. She explains that this war is not the fault of any human but that of the gods. Aeneas' eyes are opened to his arrogance. He rushes to save his family from destruction. When trying to gather the people he loves, his father refuses to run away from the city he lived in all these years. Aeneas, Creusa, and Ascanius all try to convince the old man to join them. He sticks to his resolve and Aeneas concludes that he will stay as well. Aeneas prepares himself to join the fighting while Creusa, his wife, begs him to either take herself and Ascanius along so they can die together or defend his home from danger. While the two hold Ascanius in their arms the young child is touched by an omen. A "tongue of fire" appears on the boy's head without scathing him. Father Anchises ask for another sign from the gods and thunder crashes while a shooting star with a flaming tale crosses over the

http://www.miscellanies.org/eng3993/weekfifteen/aeneid1.html

 night sky. The father is convinced that he needs to evacuate and prepares to leave. Aeneas carries his father while Ascanius walks by his side. Creusa is instructed to follow at a distance. The three males make it to the rendezvous but Creusa is no where to be found. Aeneas retraces his steps in order to find his wife. He discovers his wife close to death while she prophecies his fate. Aeneas then rejoins his family at the rendezvous and discovers more Romans have accumulated as they wait for the warrior to lead them onward.
    Book Three starts with Aeneas continuing his story about his journey to Queen Dido. To get away from Troy the men build boats not knowing where they will end up. Aeneas make offers to the gods and wants to build a canopy for the alter. When he begins to tear off shoots from a plant blood begin to pour out. This alarms Aeneas but he tries twice more. On the third try a cry comes from the mound. Polydorus, one of Aeneas' comrades was buried under the plant and warns Aeneas to leave the land quickly. Aeneas ask the Trojan captains, most importantly his father, what they believe about this omen. They agree with Polydorus and tell the men to get ready to sail with the south wind.  Before they flee the people give Polydorus a proper burial. After this event a gentle south wind appears at the break of dawn. They prepare to sail and go by many lands. They arrive at Apollo's city and are welcomed by King Anius. Aeneas cries out to Apollo to tell him where they should settle. Apollo responds with a tremendous tremble that send the people to take refuge on the ground. A loud voice says, "search for your ancient mother. There your house, / ...will rule all parts of the world" (117). With the description being quite vague, confusion takes over the people. Anchises deciphers that the city as being Crete. It is known that rumors were going around about a Cretan prince who had deserted the land leaving it open for the taking. The people set sail and quickly land in Crete. Aeneas names the town Pergamum and begins to build the city. This land was not meant to be and a plague rapidly takes hold of the population. Aeneas looks for answers. While sleeping Aeneas sees the sacred images he saved from Troy come to life and speak with the voices of the gods. They tell him to journey to Italy as that is his destiny. Aeneas relays this information to Anchises after praying and presenting libations to the gods. The father sees the fault in his depiction and the people leave Crete. They are hit by a The Odyssey. After taking heed of this man’s tale, the warriors barely escape the wrath of the blinded Cyclops. The men travel further on and pass many more beaches and finally stop at Drepanum port. A depressing end comes to Aeneas when his father dies in this place. Aeneas is disheartened by the fact that no one was able to prophecy that death. The book closes with Aeneas finishing his story at this point.

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massive storm and end up landing on the shores of Strophades; a land inhabited by Celano and the Harpies. These Harpies are birdlike monsters. After making port all the men see are the plains full of livestock. They begin to kill some animals in order to feast. At the beginning of the feast the men are interrupted by an attack from the Harpies. These monsters attack a second time. On the third attack Aeneas and his men try to fight back. Celano, prophet of doom, tells Aeneas the only peace they will ever find is in Italy. Anchises cries out to the Great Powers for wisdom. They sail away from Strophades just so they can pass by many more lands including Ithaca. They finally make port at Actium and are glad to be on solid ground. They continue on to Apollo's shrine at Leucata and make offerings. They continue on to Buthrotum. Aeneas hears Helenus and Andromache have become king and queen of the Greek city. This surprises Aeneas, because the last time he saw the couple they were being taken by Pyrrhus as a war prize. He seeks out the couple in order to rekindle their friendship. Andromache is found on the outskirts of town. She want to know the whereabouts of Ascanius and what brought them to this land. Helenus finds Aeneas with Andromache and invites the men into town. The city overwhelms Aeneas because it was created to look like a Roman city. Aeneas tells Helenus of his encounters with Celano and ask for wisdom on the matter. Helenus performs sacrifices and then prays for wisdom. He informs Aeneas that he can only tell the warrior so much of his fate. He starts by stating the Italy is a distance away. Then Andromache warns Aeneas that he must go the long way around Sicily in order to avoid Charybdis and Scylla. Aeneas is then reminded that he must always revere Juno's power and win her over with gifts to match his vows. Virgil is able to use foreshadowing to give the reader a better understanding of the text. Aeneas is told that he will meet a prophetess who will tell him of the struggles that he will face once at Italy. The men prepare to set sail and are given gifts for their travels. After setting sail they land on the Cyclops coast. They are met by a Greek sailor who landed on the port with the Ulysses. The stranger tells his story seen in The Odyssey. After taking heed of this man’s tale, the warriors barely escape the wrath of the blinded Cyclops. The men travel further on and pass many more beaches and finally stop at the Drepanum port. A depressing end comes to Aeneas when his father dies in this place. Aeneas is disheartened by the fact that no one was able to prophecy that death. The book closes with Aeneas ending his tale at the point.

Note: Robert Fagles' translation was used for reference. 

The Odyssey (Book Twenty-Two - Book Twenty-Four)

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       The end is near. Book Twenty-Two is one of the most bloody books of the whole epic. After seeing Odysseus shoot one arrow through the axes the suitors are so amazed that only after Odysseus kills Antinous with another shoot and reveals that the king has returned, do they understand their fate. The suitors soon learn that their is no way out of the palace and they either have to fight or perish. Eurymachus rallies the suitors after his attempts at reason with Odysseus fail. While Odysseus defends himself with his bow and arrows, Telemachus goes to the storeroom to get armor and more weapons. The prince makes a crucial mistake and leaves the room open. Melanthius, the goatherd who insulted the beggar on more then one occasion, finds the storeroom and gets armor and weapons for the suitors. On his second trip Melanthius is caught by the sheep and cow herds. In a very gruesome manner Melanthius is locked up to await his final punishment. Back in the great room Athena, disguised as Mentor, arrives to help Odysseus. In the beginning she only takes it upon herself to make sure Odysseus and his men do not get hurt. She wants to make sure that Odysseus is still willing to fight for himself and will not rely on her power. In the end the battle is cut short when Athena takes over and kills the rest of the enemy. Telemachus has Odysseus spare the bard and the

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herald because they only did what was forced upon them when the suitors had control. After the room was checked for any man that lived the nurse, Eurycleia, is summoned to Odysseus and openly rejoices for the suitors' deaths. Odysseus chastises the nurse for rejoicing in death, because any death is a sad occurrence. The nurse then is ordered to send the disloyal women to the great room. These twelve women were required to help move the bodies of the men they had loved and clean up the blood left over. They then were marched out and hung by Telemachus. Interestingly enough Odysseus ordered his son to kill them by the sword, but the prince chose the rope instead. The reader then returns to the fate of Melanthius. The goatherd is morbidly tortured and then killed. The book ends with Odysseus commanding the maids and the old nurse to fumigate the house in order to start a new. The loyal subjects of Odysseus are let into the great room and they rejoice that their king has finally returned.

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        Book Twenty-Three is all about Penelope and Odysseus reuniting. When Eurycleia tells Penelope of her husbands return, the queen believes that the old woman has gone crazy. It is only after the nurse tells Penelope that Telemachus has seen the king as well, that she willing to meet the man. The prince can not understand why his mother is not overjoyed about the king's return. Having grieved so much the queen is skeptical of the good news. Odysseus tells his son to prepare the house for a celebration of dancing in order to make it look like the queen has chosen a suitor in order to hold off of the news of the suitors' deaths amongst the land. Penelope tests Odysseus be telling a servant to move their wedding bed to another room so that the king could sleep. Odysseus becomes outraged by the request and through his description of their bedroom Penelope becomes convinced of the king's return. The queen then explains her skepticism and that she worried some man who try to take advantage of the situation and pretend to be Odysseus. The night is prolonged by the hands of Athena in order to give the couple more time together before the breaking of dawn. Odysseus tells Penelope of his travels and informs her of his last duty in order to appease the gods. As dawn awakes the happy couple Odyssey warns his bride that she must lock herself in the castle and receive no visitors so as to hold onto the secrecy of the suitors' deaths longer. The book closes with Odysseus, Telemachus, the cowherd, and the swineherd leaving in order to finish what they started.

 

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   The last book in the epic, twenty-four, contains a bulk of the falling action. The book opens with Hermes leading the souls of the suitors down to the House of Death. They meet Agamemnon and Achilles who are arguing over whose death was better.  Agamemnon asks Amphimedon, one of the suitors, what led them all to this place. Amphimedon recounts the events that took place. Homer has an ability to describe events through the eyes of many characters. The suitor's account focuses on Penelope's indecision and in turn is compared to Clytemnestra by Agamemnon. The story jumps to Odysseus at his father's home. The king request that his entourage start lunch in order to get some privacy with his father. Odysseus test his father's memory and only after the old king begins to weep about his son's death does

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Odysseus reveal himself. Laertes is somewhat skeptical and only after Odysseus shows him the scar he received as a child and relates memories from his childhood does the old man believe him. Odysseus relays the information of his overthrow in the palace and informs his father of the unavoidable clash for the town, in order to avenge the suitors' deaths. The epic tracks back to the town where word of the massacre has brought the town into an uproar. Many fathers of the young men who were killed want to avenge their deaths. Halitherses, an elder prophet, tries to calm the masses and explains that the suitors got what they deserved. Eupithes, Antinous' father, rallies the town to seek out Odysseus. They find the king at Laertes' house but Athena, disguised as Mentor, stops the violence. Laertes' spear is the only weapon to kill, the death being Eupithes. Being the goddess of war and peace, Athena gives the town an continual understanding of peace. The epic ends with Athena ordering Odysseus to "hold back" (596). In turn Athena gives Odysseus a happy heart content with how the events have come to pass. 

The following are YouTube videos of the beloved children's show Wishbone. The series did an episode based off of the beloved epic, The Odyssey. Being a children's show and only 30 minutes long it left out some details but the basic structure still remains.

The second part of the episode can be viewed at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvLcXC36-DE

The Odyssey (Book Nineteen-Book Twenty-One)

       Book Nineteen opens with Telemachus and Odysseus preparing for the confrontation by storing the weapons that were laid around the great room. Penelope then goes to the dining room and watches over the servants who were picking up the mess the suitors left. Melantho degrades Odysseus once again and is rewarded with words from not only Odysseus but Penelope as well. Still not knowing the true identity of the beggar, Penelope has asks Odysseus about how he came to be on the land of Ithaca. He tries to dissuade her advances and gets her on the topic of the suitors. She goes into detail about her weaving. The suitors believed when she finished that she would marry one of them. She was able to hold them off for three years by weaving during the day and unraveling during the night. She eventually was exposed by her maids and the suitors forced her to finish the weave. She now "...cannot escape a marriage" (176). Penelope presses
Odysseus for information about her lost husband. He obliges and tells of his encounters with the King of Ithaca. Even though his statements are false Penelope is moved by his words. To appease her grieving heart Penelope makes the beggar describe Odysseus. His description is so accurate that Penelope is drawn back to tears. Odysseus assures the queen that her husband is near and will be home soon. Penelope takes these words to heart and stops taking pity on the beggar and views him as a precious friend. She calls her maids to bathe the beggar and make a bed for him. Odysseus refuses to let anyone touch his feet unless they have

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suffered as much as him. Penelope allows this and lets Eurycleia, Odysseus' nurse, wash his feet. While the old nurse washes Odysseus' feet she recognizes a scar he received as a child and calls for Penelope. Athena is able to distract the queen while the king tells the nurse to hold the secret a little while longer. After Odysseus has his feet washed and oiled Penelope speaks to him again. She tells of a vision that incorporates a hawk and geese. This vision is closely related to prior sights of Telemachus and Odysseus. All of these occurrences pave the path for the ultimate destruction of the suitors. Penelope then discusses her contest that will be used to decide who she will marry. This test encompasses using twelve axes that will be placed in an unbroken row. The man who can string a bow and shoot an arrow through the axes will win the queen's hand. Odysseus encourages Penelope to continue with the contest. The book closes with Penelope ascending the stairs to her bedchamber and falling asleep.
    Book Twenty is leading up to the contest. Odysseus pretends to sleep by the fire but instead listens for the maids that leave and bed with the suitors. His blood starts to boil and he becomes outraged at their actions. it is only after Athena calms him that he lets sleep take over his body. Penelope then awakens and grieves about her life. She pray to different gods to take her life.  The morning finally arrives and Odysseus asks Zeus for a sign to reassure the king that he will be able to take revenge. Zeus obliges and sends a bolt of lightning down. Eurycleia busies the maids to get the house looking its best because the feast of the day is public. Eumaeus brings swine to the palace that are to be slaughtered and converses with Odysseus. Melanthius flings insults at the beggar, once again and makes the master think of bloody work. The next

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character to be introduced is Philoetius, the cowherd. He speaks with Odysseus about his woes and how he wishes the master was back. Odysseus sees the loyalty of Philoetius and assures him the master is close. The suitors began speaking again of their plots to kill the prince. At that moment an eagle clutching a dove flies by giving a deathly omen to the suitors. Amphinomus, the man Odysseus tried to warn of his fate, tries to convince the mob of suitors not to discuss this plot. The men enter the palace and begin feasting on the prepared meal. Telemachus places the beggar at the table and warns the suitors about insulting the man. They begrudgingly listen to the young prince. Athena, trying to make the anguish of Odysseus cut deeper prodded the suitors to speak openly. Ctesippus wants to give the beggar a "gift" and throws a oxhoof at the beggar. Odysseus is able to move out of its path but Telemachus shows no mercy and pointedly scorns the suitor. The suitors probe Telemachus to coax his mother into a marriage. Telemachus refuses to push his mother upon another man. The suitors, with the help of Athena, find this display humorous. Theoclymenus is appalled by their reaction and prophecies their doom. Eurymachus tells the prophet they can help him out of the house if he does not like the scene. Theoclymenus retreats to the home of Piraeus. After the exit of the prophet the suitors become prideful and heckle Telemachus for his choice of visitors. The closing paragraph shows Queen Penelope overhearing the whole encounter.

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    Book Twenty-One opens with Penelope gathering the materials needed for the contest. As she goes towards Odysseus' bow the epic alludes to the story behind the magnificent piece of weaponry. Odysseus' was given the bow from a Iphitus a friend that had been murdered by Hercules. After crying over the sight of the weapon Penelope climbs down the stairs and delivers her ultimatum.
                 
             "Listen to me, my overbearing friends!
              You who plague this palace night and day,
              ...with the lord and master absent, gone so long --
              the only excuse that you can offer is your zest
              to win me as your bride. So, to arms, my gallants!
              Here is the prize at issue, right before you, look --
              I set before you the great bow of King Odysseus now!
              The hand that can string this bow with greatest ease,
              that shoots an arrow clean through all twelve axes --
              he is the man I follow, yes, forsaking this house..."

This lengthy passage gives the reader a better understanding of Penelope's feelings. She is finally able to tell the suitors what she really thinks and how they can win her hand. After some of the servants being to cry, after seeing their master's prized weapon,  Antinous degrades their emotions and tells them to leave the palace if they wish to continue. Telemachus steps in and pushes the suitors to begin the games. The prince starts the contest by trying to string the bow three times. On the forth he almost strings it but Odysseus shakes his head and stops him short. Telemachus plays this off that he is too weak and boosts the suitor's egos. Each suitor takes his turn at stringing the bow but they all each have their own excuse as to why it can not be done. As the swine and cow herders leave the palace Odysseus takes the opportunity to catch the men and see where their allegiance truly lies. After being convinced of their loyalty to their king, Odysseus shows the two men his scar and they weep because of his return. The King then gives the two men instructions for when the battle begins. The three men return to the contest but all at different time so as not to alarm the suitors of their eminent doom. Having no luck at bending the bow, the suitors resolve to try again in the morning. The beggar asks the suitors if he could examine the bow because they were done with it for the night. The suitors are appalled at this idea because they are scared he will actually be able to string the weapon. With insulting words they try to talk Odysseus out of handling the weapon, but Penelope is outraged by their actions and insists they let the beggar hold the weapon. She is astonished that they are worried about being embarrassed because the beggar could string the bow considering how they treated her

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palace. Telemachus, knowing what is to come, commands that he is in charge of the weapon and that his mother should go to her room. Once in her room Penelope falls asleep with the help of Athena. Back in the great room Eumaeus takes the weapon to Odysseus who examines the bow while the suitors taunt his every move. During this commotion the swineherd makes sure that the maids are instructed to stay in their own rooms not matter what noises they hear. The cowherd goes and locks the gates. These two events sealed the fate of the suitors. The book ends with Odysseus not only stringing the bow but shooting an arrow straight through the axes. It closes with Telemachus and his father readying themselves for the slaughter to come.

The Odyssey (Book Sixteen-Book Eighteen)

http://www.maicar.com/GML/Telemachus.html

       Book Sixteen is the beginning of the end. Telemachus enters the house of Eumaeus and is greeted with tears of joy from the swine-herder. The prince continues to explain his travels to the "beggar" and agrees to give him clothing, food, and a sword. Eumaeus recommends that Odysseus stay with Telemachus at the castle; however the prince does not believe that is a good idea because he knows how the suitors will treat the beggar. Telemachus then has Eumaeus go and tell Penelope that he has returned in order to relieve her of worry. Being left alone in Eumaeus' house Odyssey is told by Athena to reveal himself to his son. She takes away his disguise and makes him youthful again. At the sight of his son Odysseus, who usually reigned in his emotions, is so moved that he begins to cry. Telemachus is skeptical of this whole event and refuses to believe that his father stands in front of him. It is only after Odysseus explains Athena's hand in the transformation that the prince accepts his father. After the initial shock Telemachus ask

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his father about his travels. Odysseus does not go in depth but explains that the Phaeacians sailed him home. The plotting then begins. Telemachus does not understand how two men will be able to take on so many suitors. The king then tells his son that he must return to the castle and wait for Eumaeus to lead Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, to the castle. He then warns Telemachus to let the suitors abuse him as they may. The prince is allowed to prompt them to quit but only with friendly words. Odysseus wants his son to try and win them over. The kings last request is for Telemachus to move all of the weapons upstairs. If the suitors ask why the prince should respond, "I stowed them away, clear of the smoke...When you're in your cups a quarrel might break out, / you'd wound each other, shame your feasting here / and cast a pall on your courting" (320-326). The only weapons to be left behind were two swords, two spears, and tow oxhide bucklers, to be used by Odysseus and Telemachus. The ship that Telemachus returned on made port at the city and excited by their arrival men from the ship went straight to the castle to inform the queen of their return. Unlike Eumaeus instruction, the sailors were loud enough about their homecoming that the suitors overheard. A council was called for all of the suitors with Eurymachus presiding. The "leader" of the suitors, is surprised to see that the prince returned and plots to kill him while he travels on land to the castle. Another suitor, Amphinomus, contest the plot and sees problem with killing someone of royal blood. Thankfully Amphinomus is able to persuade the suitors to his favor and they returned to the castle. After overhearing of the suitors plot Penelope faces them in anger. She speaks of how much Odysseus helped their families and is distraught about how they are now treating his. The sly Eurymachus tries to calm Penelope with his words while all the while plotting a way to gain the crown. Eumaeus returns home to find Telemachus and the beggar making supper. Athena has changed Odysseus back in order to protect his identity. The swine-herder tells the two men of his travels and informs Telemachus of a ship that returned with men who had weapons. This being the ship that was sent out to ambush the prince. The book closes with Telemachus and Odysseus sharing a look because they know what is to happen.
        Book Seventeen opens with Telemachus going back to the palace. Before his departure he tells Eumaeus to show the "beggar" the way to town because the prince has to many problems to face at the palace and would not be able to help this man. Once at the palace Telemachus is greeted by Eurycleia, his nurse, and Penelope. The small journey that Telemachus has traveled changed him into a more mature man with the help of Athena's power. The prince, on his way to Piraeus' home, is met by Theoclymenus and Piraeus at the meeting grounds. Telemachus warns Piraeus to leave Menelaus' gifts at his home because he does not want the suitors to plunder the offering. Once back in the walls of the kingdom Telemachus relays all the information he gained on his travels to Penelope. He holds back details of his meeting with Odysseus in order to protect his father. Theoclymenus then prophecies to the queen that Odysseus is on his native soil. During this meeting the suitors continue to pillage the wealth of the king. Eumaeus and Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, head for town as requested by Telemachus. On their journey they meet Melanthius, a servant of the castle and advocate of the suitors. Melanthius takes it upon himself to ridicule Eumaeus for being a swine-herder, but more importantly to verbally abuse Odysseus for being a beggar. Not only does he verbally abuse Odysseus he kicks the beggar in the hip but is not able to "knock the beggar off the path" (256). Odysseus is able to calm his outraged heart but Eumaeus is outraged about the incident and is forced to pray to the daughter of Zeus. The men reach the outskirts of the palace and are seen by Odysseus' dog Argo. Eumaeus does not recognize that Argo knows that his master is near.

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Having been neglected for so many years Argo is weak and tick infested. Odysseus then enters the castle and the "...dark shadow of death closed down on Argos' eyes" (359). This simple instance shows the influence Odysseus had on his people. Not only do his loyal subjects pray to the god for his return, but it is only after Argo sees his master one last time does he let death take its hold. Once in the palace Odysseus goes around begging the suitors for food. Melanthius recognizes the beggar from town and blames Eumaeus for bring the "filthy" man to the palace. Antinous, one of the suitors, lashes out against Eumaeus, asking why he would bring another vagabond to town. This spat continues adding Telemachus into the mix. Odysseus finally approaches Antinous and begs for food. The king uses this event to demonstrate how wealth can disappear in an instant. After insulting Antinous about his behavior towards bums Odysseus is hit in the back by a stool thrown from Antinous hand. Being a calm man, Odysseus takes this abuse unstaggered. The other suitors are outraged at Antinous' action. They warn him about this behavior but he pays "...no heed" (539). Through this whole scenario Telemachus is able to abide by his fathers request and watches while his blood boils. Queen Penelope hears about the incident and feels remorse for the lowly beggar. She asks Eumaeus to have him visit her so she can ask the beggar if he has any news about Odysseus. The beggar delays this visit until the night so as to not disturb the suitors with tales of the man they aim to replace. The book ends with Eumaeus heading back to the farm while Telemachus watches over the suitors.

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  Enter Arnaeus, as know as Irus, another vagrant that begs in the castle. Book Eighteen begins with the introduction of Irus. At the sight of another beggar in the house Irus throws insults at the man in order to pressure him out of the beggar's territory. The suitors catch wind of this feud and use this rivalry as entertainment. After situating his rags for a fight the suitors become leery of Odysseus the beggar. Irus sees his mistake and tries to back out of the fight but the suitors throw insults at the vagrant and he continues on. Once the fight is settled and Odysseus wins the suitors give him a goat sausage as a victory prize. Odysseus then continues a conversation with Amphinomus, who kindly gave him more bread. Knowing his calm gentle nature Odysseus tries to convince the suitor to leave the castle because the time was near for the rightful king to return. Amphinomus' fate was sealed and he defiantly stayed. The epic now features Penelope. She is drawn to speak to her suitors. Through the help of Athena she become more beautiful and radiant then anything the suitors had ever imagined. Throughout this process the queen continually degrades anyone who gives her compliment. Her personality has become negative ever since "...that day the Achaeans / sailed away to Troy" (282-283). Penelope pointedly tells the suitors that Odysseus made her promise to wed once Telemachus began to grow a facial hair. She then prompts them to bring her gifts in the right fashion of a chivalrous suitor and not eat her wealth. At this point in the epic the reader can see the disappointment in Penelope's life. She continually talks of the upcoming marriage as if it is a death wish. As the night wears on Melantho is introduced. She is a servant of the castle and was raised by Penelope as her own daughter. Even though the queen took pity on the child she grew up with a blackened heart towards the queen. Melantho is known for being Eurymachus', one of the suitors, lover. This servant throws insults at Odysseus and receives insults/threats in return. The suitors then take it upon themselves to ridicule Odysseus and instead of taking their insult Odysseus responds with witty banter. Eurymachus does not take these words easily and tries to throw a stool as Odysseus. He miss and in turn hits another servant. The suitors then go into an uproar and are only talked down by Prince Telemachus. Book Eighteen ends with the men retreating to their own homes for a night of sleep.

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.