Odyssey Book 16
Summary Worksheet
ANSWER KEY
Book 16 starts with Odysseus dressed in rags with Eumaeus in Ithaca.
Odysseus was with Eumaeus, a(n) swineherd, in Ithaca. Eumaeus (did/ did not) know that
he was talking to his master (Odysseus). Telemachus then arrived at Ithaca’s shore, causing
Eumaeus to drop his things and run to kiss and hug him. Odysseus remained seated and kept
to himself. Odysseus (did/ did not) reveal his identity to Telemachus. Telemachus then ordered
Eumaeus to tell Penelope but not Laertes that he has returned from Pylos.
After a small conversation between Telemachus and Odyesseus about the suitors, Athena,
the bright-eyed goddess (epithet), then signaled to Odysseus, telling him to go towards her.
Then, she made Odysseus taller, supple, and younger to the eyes of others. Telemachus was
surprised at the sudden change and questioned Odysseus, “...Your clothes, they’ve changed,
even your skin has changed- surely you must be some god who rule the vaulting skies!...” (ll
16.206-207) Odysseus replied, “My changing so? Athena’s work, the Fighter’s Queen- she
has that power, she makes me like as she likes, now like a beggar, the next moment a young
man...” (ll 16. 237-239)
When they finally realized that they are reunited again, they hugged and cried for a while.
Odysseus later told Telemachus that the Phaeacians sent him back to Ithaca safely with
gifts, he also questioned Telemachus about the suitors pursuing Penelope. Telemachus
doubted their strengths and didn’t believe that two men can overpower all the suitors. However,
Odysseus has a plan...
Odysseus wanted Telemachus to mingle with the suitors and try to reason with them with
a kind voice. When Athena tells Odysseus it’s time for the uprising, he will give a signal to
Telemachus, telling him to get all the suitors’ weapons and store them away. At this point,
Telemachus was still hesitant about Odysseus’s plan. He didn’t think they’ll gain anything from
the plan. Odysseus believed that the plan is achievable as long as both of them are courageous
and confident in themselves. Telemachus reassured himself about the plan and agreed to go
according to the plan. Even so, they must both test their servants and maids, to see who’s loyal
and who’s not.
Meanwhile, the swineherd arrived at the palace to tell Penelope about Telemachus. The suitors
became very unhappy and decided to hold a meeting. They were greatly angered, after all those
ambush traps they’ve set for Telemachus. Telemachus not only avoided the lookouts, he also
managed to get around the ships patrolling for him. It was very obvious to the suitors that the
gods were on Telemachus’s side the entire time. The lead suitors, Eurymachus and Antinous,
decided to do one final search for Telemachus and kill him once and for all. Amphinomus,
Penelope’s favorite, had no intention of killing Telemachus; however, if the gods wanted
Telemachus dead, he’ll gladly do the deed.
Overhearing this conversation, Medon, Odysseus’s herald, told Penelope. In turn, Penelope
became outraged and marched to the suitors. She furiously questioned their actions. She
told them that Ithaca is suppose to be a safe haven for anyone who needed it. Ithaca was a
refuge for many of the suitor’s ancestors, like Antinous’s father. Eurymachus tried to calm her
down with empty words while planning Telemachus’s murder in the back of his mind. Finally,
Penelope went to her room and cried for Odysseus until she fell asleep.
That night, Odysseus and Telemachus killed one of the pigs at Eumaeus’s hut and cooked it for
their dinner. Before Eumaeus reached home, Athena made Odysseus appearance as a beggar
again, for fear that Eumaeus will recognize his master. As they eat, Eumaeus told Telemachus
of a suspicious ship that pulled into the port that day. The ship had a crew aboard with a supply
of shields and spears. Eumaeus believed that those men are the ones who Telemachus
should go after.
Later, the men put aside their meals and drinks and got ready for bed.