Eumaeus

E20161

Eumaeus is the loyal swineherd in Homer’s Odyssey who faithfully aids the disguised Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca.


Statements (46)
Predicate Object
instanceOf Homeric character
mythological character
servant
swineherd
alliesWith Telemachus
appearsIn Odyssey
associatedTheme loyalty
social class and virtue
associatedWith pigs
swineherd’s hut
caresFor Telemachus in Odysseus’ absence
contrastedWith disloyal servants in the Odyssey
creator Homer
culture Ancient Greek mythology
firstAppearance Odyssey Book 14
gender male
helpsWith Odysseus’ return to power in Ithaca
hosts Odysseus in disguise
ignorantOf Odysseus’ true identity at first
keeps Odysseus’ herds of swine
knows Odysseus is alive in his heart
languageOfName Ancient Greek
loyalTo Odysseus
loyaltyTrait faithful servant
moralStatus exemplary loyalty
narrativeFunction contrast to arrogant suitors
embodiment of xenia (hospitality)
occupation swineherd
participatesIn slaughter of the suitors
presentAt Odysseus’ revelation to loyal servants
final battle in Odysseus’ hall
recognizes Odysseus by character not appearance
relationshipToOdysseus trusted retainer
relationshipToTelemachus fatherly figure
residence Ithaca
roleInWork helper of the hero
serves Odysseus
setting countryside of Ithaca
socialStatus slave
species human
symbolizes faithful common people
treats Odysseus with hospitality
unknowinglyHosts Odysseus as beggar
virtue hospitality
humility
piety

Referenced by (3)

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