Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Eumaeus?
Who is Eumaeus?
Eumaeus is the swineherd.
What place did Odysseus say he was from?
What place did Odysseus say he was from?
Crete
What was Odysseus disguised as?
What was Odysseus disguised as?
An old beggar
What attacked Odysseus when he first arrived at the swineherd's house?
What attacked Odysseus when he first arrived at the swineherd's house?
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What led Odysseus to Egypt?
What led Odysseus to Egypt?
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Who does Eumaeus complain about and dislike?
Who does Eumaeus complain about and dislike?
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What part of Odysseus's story does Eumaeus not believe?
What part of Odysseus's story does Eumaeus not believe?
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Why does Eumaeus not believe Odysseus is alive?
Why does Eumaeus not believe Odysseus is alive?
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How long is Eumaeus letting Odysseus stay?
How long is Eumaeus letting Odysseus stay?
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What was the meal Odysseus ate after he was rescued from the hounds?
What was the meal Odysseus ate after he was rescued from the hounds?
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Who did Odysseus say he was the son of?
Who did Odysseus say he was the son of?
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Why is there not much swine left?
Why is there not much swine left?
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What was Odysseus's false identity?
What was Odysseus's false identity?
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What bet does the beggar make with Eumaeus?
What bet does the beggar make with Eumaeus?
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Study Notes
Key Characters
- Eumaeus: Loyal swineherd of Odysseus; kind and hospitable, dislikes the suitors vying for Penelope's hand.
- Odysseus: Disguised as an old beggar to hide his identity during his return home.
Odysseus's Journey and Disguise
- Odysseus claims to be from Crete, having experienced numerous hardships since the Trojan War.
- His disguise allows him to gather information safely while waiting for the right moment to reveal his identity.
Initial Encounter
- Upon arriving at Eumaeus's house, Odysseus is attacked by ferocious hounds, highlighting the loyalty of the swineherd to his master.
Eumaeus's Disbelief
- Eumaeus expresses skepticism about Odysseus's survival because he has encountered many impostors claiming to be messengers of Odysseus.
- He has been disappointed by numerous vagrants seeking a connection with Penelope in exchange for news of her husband.
Ordinary Life and Challenges
- Eumaeus allows Odysseus to stay until Telemachus returns, demonstrating his hospitality.
- The suitors are depleting Eumaeus's swine, indicating the strain they place on local resources and the impending conflict.
Odysseus's Backstory
- Attempts to prove his identity include fabricating a story about being the son of a wealthy man and a slave woman, emphasizing his noble lineage.
- In his tale, Odysseus explains his ill-fated journey to Egypt following a lust for battle and subsequent misfortunes including betrayal and enslavement.
Meal and Hospitality
- After being rescued from the hounds, Odysseus receives a small meal of scrawny pork, underscoring the hardships faced by both characters.
The Bet
- Odysseus proposes a bet to Eumaeus, suggesting he could be thrown off a cliff if Odysseus does not return soon; Eumaeus refuses the bet, illustrating his kindness and faith.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key characters in Homer's 'The Odyssey' focusing on Eumaeus and Odysseus. Understand their complex relationships and the significance of Odysseus's disguise. This quiz explores themes of loyalty and identity in Odysseus's journey.
