Book 14 Summary and Analysis
Summary
Disguised as a beggar, Odysseus visits the home of Eumaeus. The swineherd gives him a warm welcome, voicing his belief that strangers and beggars must be shown kindness.
Once again, Odysseus invents a false identity, claiming that he was born in Crete to a wealthy man and his concubine. He states that he fought with the Danaans in the Trojan War and voyaged to Egypt after the victory, where he was unable to stop his men from plundering and pillaging. The Egyptian army then sought retribution, capturing and enslaving his men. After staying in Egypt for seven years and amassing a great fortune, he planned to travel to Libya with a Phoenician man who secretly plotted to sell him into slavery. Fortunately, Zeus struck their ship with lightning bolts, leaving him adrift on a piece of the mast until he washed ashore on Thesprotia. There, King Phidon welcomed him, regaling him with tales of the hero Odysseus, whom the king had allegedly sent home with splendid gifts. He was then captured by sailors who planned to sell him into slavery. After escaping from these men, he claims, he stumbled into the home of Eumaeus.
Eumaeus believes this story—except for the news of Odysseus, as he does not want to give in to the false hope that his master might return. Odysseus then invents another tale, that of a cold winter’s night during the Trojan War, hinting that he is cold and needs to sleep. Eumaeus understands and lends Odysseus a cloak before they retire for the night.
Expert Q&A
In The Odyssey Book 14, what truth lies in Odysseus's tales to Eumaeus upon returning to Ithaca?
In his tales to Eumaeus, Odysseus intertwines truth with fiction. Truthfully, he states Odysseus is returning home and recounts his participation in the Trojan War. However, he fabricates details about his origins, claiming to be from Crete and having royal connections. He also invents stories of attacking Egypt and meeting its king. These tales serve both as a test of Eumaeus's loyalty and a means to delay Penelope's meeting with the suitors.
In The Odyssey book 14, why doesn't Odysseus reveal himself to loyal Eumaeus?
In Book 14 of The Odyssey, what future events are foreshadowed?
In Book 14, Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, foreshadows his return to Ithaca by swearing to Eumaeus, his loyal swineherd, that he will come back. Eumaeus, however, is skeptical. Additionally, Odysseus tests Eumaeus' hospitality with a story, hinting at future tests he will conduct on his household members, such as his father Laertes, and those they will conduct on him, like Penelope's test upon his return.
In Book 14 of The Odyssey, what does Odysseus tell the swineherd and why is his disguise ironic?
Odysseus tells the swineherd he is a beggar, which is ironic because he is actually the King of Ithaca, hiding in his own land after a long, arduous journey home. His disguise highlights the irony of facing yet another challenge—defeating the suitors—despite finally reaching home. Additionally, it's ironic that his loyal servant, the swineherd, unknowingly serves his disguised master, treating him with the hospitality Odysseus himself would have expected.
What Achaean ideals does Eumaeus, the swineherd, exemplify in book 14 of The Odyssey?
Eumaeus exemplifies key Achaean ideals in Book 14 of The Odyssey by demonstrating exceptional hospitality and loyalty. He immediately cares for Odysseus, reflecting the cultural importance of hospitality to guests. His unwavering loyalty to Odysseus, despite the hero's long absence, highlights the theme of fidelity. Additionally, Eumaeus exhibits wisdom by recognizing Odysseus's disguised identity, showcasing his insight and perceptiveness.
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