ðŸĨŠ ðŸĐļ ðŸĶī

THE ODYSSEY

Book XVIII: The King of Beggars

Odysseus vs. Irus

"The stranger has brought such a thigh out of his old rags that there will soon be nothing left of Irus."

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The Old Tramp

"Wretchedly thin... perished with cold."

Hover to reveal the King

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Stalwart Might

"Broad chest and shoulders, and his mighty arms... Minerva made his limbs even stronger."

The Fatal Blow

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Athena's Enhancement

Minerva sheds grace and beauty over Penelope while she sleeps. Her complexion becomes whiter than sawn ivory, her stature taller and more commanding.

The Rebuke

She scolds Telemachus for allowing the beggar to be abused, asserting her authority while charming the suitors.

The Ruse

She complains that the suitors are wasting her wealth, suggesting that true suitors should bring gifts rather than consume the estate.

The Price of Courting

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Antinous

A large robe, beautifully enriched with embroidery, and twelve gold brooches.

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Eurymachus

A gold necklace of beautiful workmanship, set with amber beads that glittered like the sun.

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Eurydamas

A pair of earrings, with three pendant drops fashioned like mulberries.

The Boiling Point

Melantho's Insolence

The maid Melantho insults the beggar, unaware he is her King. Odysseus threatens her with Telemachus's wrath.

Eurymachus's Footstool

Mocking the beggar's belly, Eurymachus hurls a stool. Odysseus ducks, and the stool strikes a cup-bearer, causing a riot of noise.

The Dispersal

Telemachus boldly tells the suitors they have drunk too much and should go to bed. Astonished by his courage, they depart.