Eumaeus
The loyal swineherd who provides shelter and support to Ulysses upon his return.
Core Belief
"Loyalty and hospitality are paramount, and one should always treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their social standing."
Worldview
Eumaeus sees the world as a place where hard work and devotion are rewarded, and where the gods ultimately uphold justice and punish those who abuse their power.
Personality
Eumaeus is a kind, humble, and steadfastly loyal servant to Ulysses. He embodies the virtues of hospitality and piety, and remains faithful to his master even in his absence.
In Their Own Words
"Old man, the dogs were likely to have made short work of you, and then you would have got me into trouble. The gods have given me quite enough worries without that, for I have lost the best of masters, and am in continual grief on his account. I have to attend swine for other people to eat, while he, if he yet lives to see the light of day, is starving in some distant land. But come inside, and when you have had your fill of bread and wine, tell me where you come from, and all about your misfortunes."
"Stranger, though a still poorer man should come here, it would not be right for me to insult him, for all strangers and beggars are from Jove. You must take what you can get and be thankful, for servants live in fear when they have young lords for their masters; and this is my misfortune now, for heaven has hindered the return of him who would have been always good to me and given me something of my own—a house, a piece of land, a good looking wife, and all else that a liberal master allows a servant who has worked hard for him, and whose labour the gods have prospered as they have mine in the situation which I hold."
"May heaven requite to them the wickedness with which they deal high-handedly in another man’s house without any sense of shame."
Other Characters from The Odyssey: Rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original
Ulysses
The protagonist, a resourceful and enduring hero on a long journey home.
Penelope
Ulysses' faithful wife, besieged by suitors and longing for her husband's return.
Telemachus
Ulysses' son, who embarks on a journey to find news of his father.
Minerva
The goddess who guides and protects Ulysses and Telemachus.
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