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THE ODYSSEY

Book XV: The Return of Telemachus

Gifts of the High Lords

"I will now present you with the finest and most precious piece of plate in all my house."

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Vulcan's Bowl

A silver mixing-bowl with a gold rim, crafted by the god of fire himself.

From Menelaus
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The Double Cup

A solid gold double cup for making libations to the immortal gods.

From Menelaus
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The Embroidered Robe

A robe that glitters like a star, to be worn by Telemachus's future bride.

From Helen

Heaven's Messaging

The Eagle & The Goose

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"An eagle with a great white goose in its talons... flew away on their right hands."

Helen's Interpretation:

Odysseus will return to take his revenge, just as the eagle from the mountain took the farmyard goose.

The Hawk & The Dove

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"A hawk, Apollo's messenger, flew by with a dove in its talons, plucking it as it went."

Theoclymenus's Interpretation:

No house in Ithaca is more royal than that of Telemachus; his power shall endure forever.

Navigating the Suitors' Ambush

Theoclymenus joins

A seer and fugitive from Argos seeks passage. Telemachus grants him Xenia, strengthening his retinue with prophetic sight.

The Secret Landing

Following Athena's advice, Telemachus lands on a remote part of Ithaca, avoiding the suitors lying in wait at the Strait.

The Swineherd's Lineage

While waiting for Telemachus, Eumaeus reveals his own tragic history to the disguised Odysseus:

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Prince of Syra

Son of Ctesius, king of two cities on a fertile island.

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The Betrayal

Kidnapped by a Phoenician nurse and sold to Laertes for a great price.

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Loyal Bondage

Raised with Ctimene, Odysseus's sister, and treated with kindness by Anticlea.