DOLIUS (old servant of Penelope)
Figure of myth · mythical character
- Children
- Melanthius, Melantho
- In the sources
- 9 ancient passages
Dolius, a grey-haired gardener, served the household.1,2 He was the father of Melanthius and the maidservant Melantho, binding his family to the estate.3,4,5 He had been given to the speaker by her father as a gift upon her marriage.1
When Odysseus returned, Dolius and his sons were astonished to recognize their master.6 Summoned by their mother to attend the meal, they stopped their labor to join the feast.6 Dolius approached the hero, kissed his hand at the wrist, and expressed his long-held wishes for his return.7 He asked if Penelope knew of the king's homecoming, before gently scolded Odysseus told him to sit and eat.7,6 He then sat in his designated position near his sons after they greeted the master.8
Despite his advanced age, Dolius put on armor to fight alongside the others.2 His sons, who had worked with him, followed his example in this final stand.6
