Odyssey Study Guide Contents
Book 2: Telemachus Calls the Assembly in Ithaca | Summary Book II | Notes | Major Characters | Quiz on Book II The convoking of the assembly of Achaeans at Ithaca does not in itself call for a vote or agreement. it is simply called. After it is opened, a staff or talking stick is passed around to give people the right to talk.
When a pair of eagles appears it is assumed to be an omen sent by Zeus and so the person with the power of a seer and prophet explains that it means Odysseus will not be long. The seer is pooh-poohed by one of the suitors not because prophecy is unbelievable, but because he is too old to be reliable.
The suitors don't directly try to stop Telemachus from gathering his exploratory crew although they suggest some of the oldest men take on the job. The suitors hope Telemachus will drown but they aren't doing anything to cause his demise.
After a heated assembly, the suitors return to Odysseus' home for feasting. Antinous asks Telemachus to put aside his disagreement and dine with him as he used to do.
Athena gathers men for the ship by putting on the disguise of Telemachus and then boards the ship disguised as Mentor.
