Book 17
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2025
Department 1
Ancient Greek and Roman Studies
Abstract
Book 17 of the Odyssey narrates the long-anticipated arrivals of Telemachus and, crucially, Odysseus at the palace in Ithaca after their travels. Odysseus, disguised as an old beggar, makes his way to his own home guided by his loyal swineherd Eumaeus, only to face the abuse of his goatherd Melanthius at a spring outside the city, and then the lead suitor Antinous inside the palace. As Odysseus enters, he is recognized by his aged dog Argus, yet successfully conceals his identity from everyone else (except his co-conspirator Telemachus), including his wife, Penelope, with whom he arranges a rendezvous later that evening. This chapter examines how the recurring Odyssean themes of hospitality, theoxeny (visitation of a god), disguise, and recognition manifest in book 17. It also discusses the disputed role of the prophet Theoclymenus, whom Telemachus brings to the palace as guest, and the multiple significances of Odysseus’s memorable encounter with Argus. Finally, it considers how the Odyssey poet constructs meaning in book 17 through internal allusion to Odysseus’s adventures among the Phaeacians and on the Cyclopes’ island and through external allusion to the Iliad’s proem (situating the stomach rather than wrath as a motivating epic force), and, near the end of the book, defines epic song and speech as enchantments that arouse the desire of audiences.
DOI
10.1093/9780191926846.003.0018
ISBN/ISSN
978-0198985099
Recommended Citation
Lesser, Rachel H. “Book 17.” In The Oxford Critical Guide to Homer’s Odyssey, edited by Joel P. Christensen, 217–230. Oxford University Press, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1093/9780191926846.003.0018
