The adventures of Odysseus : His return to Ithaca
Odysseus had been left on the shores of Ithaca by Feakes while he slumbered. The following morning, he awoke to a thick fog that obscured his surroundings, leaving him disoriented and unaware of his location. However, the wise and powerful goddess Athena intervened, dispelling the fog and revealing to Odysseus that he had finally returned to his homeland. Overcome with emotion, Odysseus wept tears of joy and relief. Athena then informed him of the dire situation that had befallen his kingdom. A horde of men had descended upon Ithaca, claiming to be Penelope’s suitors and feasting on his resources. Meanwhile, Penelope herself was in a constant state of mourning, longing for her husband’s return. Athena advised Odysseus to seek out his loyal swineherd, Eumeaus, and await the return of his son, Tilemachus, who had journeyed to Pylos and Sparta to seek information about his father’s whereabouts. With renewed determination, Odysseus set out to reclaim his rightful place as king of Ithaca and reunite with his beloved wife and son.
Athena, the goddess of wisdom, had a plan to help Odysseus return home safely. She transformed him into a beggar to avoid being recognized and sent him to the hut of Eumeaus. Upon arrival, Eumeaus welcomed the stranger without recognizing him as the great Odysseus. The hero rested there for the night. The next morning, Tilemachus, Odysseus’ son, arrived at the hut. Eumeaus left to inform Penelope of her son’s arrival. Once father and son were alone, Athena restored Odysseus to his original form, and he revealed his true identity. Overwhelmed with emotion, Odysseus and Tilemachus hugged and cried for what seemed like hours. They then began to plan how to rid their home of the suitors who had taken over. Athena once again transformed Odysseus into a beggar to avoid detection. The hero was ready to take on the challenge of reclaiming his home and family.
The following morning, Tilemachus made his way to the palace, where he was soon joined by Odysseus and Eumeaus. After two long decades, Odysseus had finally returned to his homeland. His loyal dog, Argos, was the only one who recognized him, wagging his tail with joy. Odysseus approached his beloved pet and gave him a gentle pat. Sadly, Argos passed away shortly after seeing his master once more.
Upon entering his home Tilemachus offered Odysseus food and hospitality. However, the Penelope’s suitors were less welcoming, mocking and belittling him before demanding that he leave.
Penelope was informed by Eumeaus that a beggar had arrived, and she immediately demanded to see him in hopes of gaining any information about her missing husband. Once the suitors had finished their revelry and returned to their own homes, Penelope called for the beggar to come forward. However, before she could even begin to question him, Eurycleia, the trusted nurse of Odysseus, was instructed to clean the beggar’s toes. It was at this moment that Eurycleia recognized Odysseus by a scar above his knee, but before she could reveal his true identity, he stopped her in her tracks. Odysseus knew that it was not yet time for his arrival to be celebrated, and so he remained hidden for the time being.