The Odyssey Book Fourteen: The Loyal Swineherd with Alec Bianco

Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Alec Bianco of the Circe Institute to discuss Book Fourteen of the Odyssey: The Loyal Swineherd.

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From our guide:

77. What happens in book fourteen?

Odysseus, disguised as an old beggar, makes his way to the home of his loyal swineherd, Eumaeus (14.32). Odysseus is welcomed warmly, as the swineherd reiterates that “every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus” (14.66). The swineherd shows great affection for his king that sailed away for Troy, but believes he is now most likely dead (14.155). Odysseus the beggar swears by the “table of hospitality” of the swineherd that “Odysseus will return” (14.189). Odysseus then fabricates a long backstory about how he was a soldier at Troy (14.270), and how he came to hear news of Odysseus’ return (14.363). The swineherd tells Odysseus the beggar to not try and “charm” him with lies (14.438). Odysseus pushes back and says the swineherd can toss him off a cliff if Odysseus does not return, but the swineherd remains skeptical (14.451). The book ends with Odysseus testing the hospitality of the swineherd, but the swineherd remains a gracious host and makes a warm bed for Odysseus by the fire (14.585).

78. What should be observed about the Swineherd?

Eumaeus is a slave and swineherd whose name means “seek after the good.” He demonstrates a remarkable fondness and loyalty toward his king, Odysseus (14.44). Notably, Homer again shifts into second person when speaking of Eumaeus, as he did for Patroclus in the Iliad (14.63). He is an exemplar of guest-friendship (14.66) and displays an intimate knowledge of his master’s goods (14.115). His epithet “foremen of men” refers to his role overseeing the swineherds, but it may also be a reflection on the quality of his character.

The Swineherd gives us an insight into how Odysseus the King treated his subjects, which raises an arguably contrast to how Odysseus treated his men on the journey home (14.159). Quite notably, the Swineherd seems to be somewhat resistant to Odysseus’ rhetoric (lies) or at least suspect of it (14.411, 438 His reply to Odysseus’ rhetoric is arguably one of the first examples of sarcasm in ancient literature (14.453). The Swineherd also displays a notable piety, as he makes three distinct pious gestures before the feast (14.479). There is always much speculation about whether the Swineherd recognizes or at least suspects Odysseus the beggar’s true identity (14.502).

Our Year with Homer continues!