Odyssey Study Guide Contents
In Book XXIV Hermes leads the ghosts of the suitors to death. They find the ghost of Achilles, Patroclus, Antilochus, and Agamemnon. The ghosts are surprised to see the suitors' ghosts all at the same time. Agamemnon asks Amphimedon what happened.Amphimedon tells him about Penelope and her wiles and gods-supported plot he thinks was hatched jointly by Penelope, Odysseus, and Telemachus, which led to the ambush of the suitors. He adds that the bodies are lying uncared for.
Agamemnon says that Odysseus is blessed and the name of Penelope will never die. She is so different a woman from the daughter of Tyndareus.
While the suitors' ghosts talk to the Trojan War ghosts, Odysseus, Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius go to Laertes. Odysseus sends the others to find a pig for dinner and says he will see whether his father recognizes him. He gives his armor to Eumaeus and Philoetius as he goes to the vineyard. Odysseus compliments the old man on his skills with the garden. He says the old man takes better care of the garden than himself. He asks if he has really reached Ithaca. Odysseus says he is looking for his friend, the son of Laertes.
Laertes says that Ithaca has fallen on evil times and his son is unburied. He then asks the stranger who his parents are.
Odysseus says he is the son of King Aphheidas of Alybas where Odysseus was five years earlier.
Laertes groans. Odysseus grabs his father and kisses him telling him that he's his son. His father wants proof. Odysseus tells the story of the boar's tusk scar. He also says that Laertes gave him certain trees that he will point out.
Laertes is convinced and hugs his son. He is afraid that all the cities around will be coming about the suitors' murders. Odysseus says not to worry now. Now it's time to eat the pig the other three have prepared. They go and Laertes is washed, anointed with oil, and dressed. Athena enhances him.
The woman who washed Laertes summons Dolius and others who come and are astonished to see Odysseus. Dolius and his sons embrace Odysseus.
Rumor flies through the town about the suitors. They make a lot of noise and take away the dead. Then they meet in the assembly. Eupeithes is first to speak. He is grief-stricken by the death of his son Antinous. He says they must avenge the deaths of their sons. Medon and Phemius enter. The others are astonished that they are alive. Medon says Odysseus acted with the will of the gods and one of the gods had stood as Mentor beside Odysseus. Halitherses, who could tell the future, says that it's the survivors' fault things went as they did. No one would listen to him or Mentor when they warned about the folly of the suitors. He says they should not go against Odysseus. Halitherses leaves.
Many side with Eupeithes and get their armor. Eupeithes leads them. He thinks he will get revenge, but he won't return.
Then Athena addresses Zeus to ask what should happen. Zeus asks why she asks. Although it's up to her he thinks the most reasonable arrangement is for them to swear to let Odysseus rule and the others should forgive the massacre and become friends.
Odysseus sends one of Dolius' sons to see if the suitors' families are coming. He sees them and says they should all put on their armor, which they do. They go forth. Athena as Mentor joins them. Odysseus and Telemachus will vie for honor. Athena helps Laertes hurl his spear. It strikes Eupeithes. Odysseus and Telemachus attack the first line of avengers. Athena then says to stop fighting and settle the issue with no more blood. All the avengers drop their weapons. Odysseus is about to go after them when a sign from Zeus, a thunderbolt, falls and Athena warns Odysseus that Zeus will be angry if he doesn't desist. Odysseus obeys her and the two parties make peace.
Book XXIII Summary
Read a Public Domain translation of Odyssey Book XXIV.Next: Major Characters in Book XXIV, Notes on Odyssey Book XXIV
