Discussion Topic
Omens and a sense of doom in Books 17-20 of The Odyssey
Summary:
In Books 17-20 of The Odyssey, omens and a sense of doom are prevalent. Key examples include the eagle carrying a dead dove, Theoclymenus' prophetic vision of the suitors' death, and Penelope's dream of geese being killed by an eagle. These omens foreshadow the impending doom of the suitors and the restoration of Odysseus' household.
What incidents in Books 17–20 of Homer's Odyssey establish a sense of doom?
Homer prepares the audience for the death and destruction that occurs in Odyssey 22 in a couple of instances in Books 17-20.
Early in Book 17, Theoclymenus predicts that Odysseus is already nearby, is learning of the unjust behavior of the suitors, and his preparing to take vengeance on them.
Also in Book 17, when Melanthius tries to knock Odysseus from the path, Eumaeus prays for the return of Odysseus and punishment for Melanthius. Indeed, both those prayers are eventually answered.
In Odyssey 18, Odysseus, disguised as a beggar warns Amphinomus that Odysseus is near and that he will punish the suitors:
I tell you, he is near, and may some god prompt you homewards, so you need not face him on his return. He and the Suitors will not part without bloodshed, I think, once he is under his own roof. (A.S. Kline translation)
In Odyssey 19, Penelope has a dream about an eagle that kills 20 geese. The disguised Odysseus, who is listening to Penelope relate this dream, tells her that it is clearly a prediction that Odysseus is going to destroy the suitors.
Finally, in Book 20, we hear that Zeus thunders when the sky is completely clear and that one of the servant women, upon hearing this, prays for the final day of the Suitors in the palace:
It must be an omen you send someone. Make even my words come true. Today let the Suitors delight in feasting for the very last time in Odysseus’ palace. Let those who have bowed my limbs in hard labour grinding barley, now eat their last meal.’ (A.S. Kline translation)
What omen is present in Books 17-20 of The Odyssey?
There are actually several omens and foreshadowings present in Books 17-20 of Homer's Odyssey. Let's look at some of them.
In Book 17, Theoclymenus, a seer, tells Penelope that there are many signs pointing to Odysseus' return. In fact, he believes (correctly) that Odysseus is now in Ithaca preparing for his revenge on the suitors. He has seen a bird of omen that points to this. Also in this book, the old dog Argos recognizes Odysseus and dies happily, knowing that his master is finally home.
In Book 18, Odysseus foreshadows his victory over the suitors by his victory over Arnaeus. Odysseus also warns Amphinomus, a kind suitor, that he should leave at once, but fate has arranged for him to die along with the others.
In Book 19, Penelope tells Odysseus (who is still in disguise) about a dream in which an eagle kills twenty geese. Odysseus sees this as an omen of his success over the suitors.
Finally, in Book 20, a thunderbolt from Zeus, at Odysseus' request, assures Odysseus of the god's favor, and some of the servants take the sign to mean that their master has returned.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.