The Odyssey Books 13-16 Summary
In Books 13-16 of "The Odyssey," Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca, where he encounters challenges and disguises himself with the help of Athena. He meets the loyal swineherd Eumaeus and plans his next moves to reclaim his kingdom. Meanwhile, Telemachus sets sail for home under the guidance of Athena. These books highlight themes of loyalty, disguise, and strategic planning as Odysseus navigates his way back to his rightful place in Ithaca amidst threats from the suitors.
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The Odyssey Books 13-16
Book 13: Ithaca at Last Poseidon is angry with the Phaeacians for helping Odysseus and asks Zeus to punish them. Zeus places mountains around their city, ending their seafaring ways. Odysseus fell asleep on the way home, and the Phaeacians left him on the shore of Ithaca. When he awakens, he does not know where he is, and Athena covers the island with mist so he does not recognize it. And so to the king himself all Ithaca looked strange (221)
Book 13: Ithaca at Last Athena approaches Odysseus disguised as a young shepherd Odysseus makes up a story about having come from Crete, and Athena admires his ingenuity and identifies herself to him. Ah, but you never recognized me, did you?/ Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus- who always/ stands beside you, shields you in every exploit (340-342) After hiding the gifts from the Phaeacians, Athena and Odysseus begin to plan. She tells him about Telemachus and advises Odysseus to do to the swineherd s hut.
Book 13: Ithaca at Last She promises to transform him so he is not recognizable. She uses her magic to make him look old, weak and ragged. The swineherd, she assures him, is true to you as always/ loyal friend to your son, to Penelope, so self-possessed (462-463)
Book 14: The Loyal Swineherd While Athena goes to fetch Telemachus, Odysseus makes his way to the swineherd, who has been loyal. As he nears the house, watchdogs leap at him, but Eumaeus (the swineherd) chases them away. He does not recognize Odysseus but provides hospitality to what he perceives as a stranger. It s wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing-/ even one who arrives in worse shape than you (64-65)
Book 14: The Loyal Swineherd Again, Odysseus claims to have come from Crete, and he assures the swineherd that the long-missing Odysseus will return home. He also talks about participating in the Trojan War and about spending years in Egypt. Odysseus goes to sleep in the house, but the swineherd goes outside to sleep with his pigs.
Book 15: The Prince Sets Sail for Home While Athena alerts Telemachus to the danger when he returns home, Odysseus is still at the swineherd s house. He has a plan to go in disguise as a beggar, to see what is going on in his own home. Eumaeus thinks he is crazy for mingling with the suitors. God s sake, my friend! What s got into your head, what crazy plan? You must be hell-bent on destruction, on the spot, if you are keen to mingle with that mob of suitors- their pride and violence hit the iron skies! (361-366)
Book 15: The Prince Sets Sail for Home The swineherd then decides to tell Odysseus many stories. He proves to be a good storyteller as well. At the end of the book, Telemachus arrives in Ithaca, manages to send on his companions without him, and heads alone to the swineherd s house.
Book 16: Father and Son Telemachus arrives at the home of Eumaeus and is warmly welcomed by the swineherd. When the swineherd leaves, Athena transforms Odysseus back to strength He discloses his identity to his son, who at first does not believe him. At that Odysseus sat down again, and Telemachus threw his arms around his father, sobbing uncontrollably/ as the deep desire for tears welled up in both (242-244)
Book 16: Father and Son Telemachus admits that he feels powerless against the suitors, but Odysseus is confident that, with Zeus and Athena on their side, he and Telemachus need no additional help to defeat the suitors. The suitors receive word that Telemachus has returned.
