Character+List14

Eumaios: Eumaios is a former swineherd of Odysseus. He does not like the suitors and regards them as 'cold- hearted men, who never spare a thought for how they stand in the sight of Zues.' (page 250; line 100) He lives on Ithica a little while from where Penelope and Telemachus live. He is loyal to Odysseus because he kept up his master's estate while his master was away. He also thought extremely well of Odysseus, 'true king that he was.' (page 248; line 48) Eumaios also said of his former lord: 'One way or another, far from home he died, a bitter loss, and pain, for everyone.' (page 251; line 167) This shows that he truly thought that Odysseus was a great man and was appreciated by many. Eumaios is also hospitable, as he invites the traveler in for dinner, even though he doesn't know that it is his former master. Also, he says not to think anything of the invitation, as it is a common decency. This shows he has a respect for the customs of the time, and also for Zues, as it was a common belief amongst ancient Greeks that all travelers were sent by the god. Finally, he was a shrewd man, because he did not take Odysseus' claim about himself seriously, as he had seen other people make the same claim for their own benefit.

Mesaúlios: He is a yard boy bought by Eumaios on his own from Taphiars.