EUMAEUS (swineherd of Odysseus)
Figure of myth · in Greek mythology, Odysseus's swineherd and friend
- Parents
- Ctesius
- Allies
- Odysseus
- In the sources
- 69 ancient passages
Eumaeus, whose parent is Ctesius, served as the swineherd of Odysseus and was raised by Penelope alongside her daughter Ctimene.1,2,3 A man of good principles and most equitable, he lived in a hut where he received guests and tended to his master's pigs.4,5,6,1,2 Though he lacked a house, land, or wife while his master was away, he remained hospitable and respectful toward strangers.7 He bound sandals to his feet and kept a heavy cloak for bad weather, though his household lacked spare garments for guests.8,9,10
The stranger took refuge at Eumaeus's station, which was the first place he reached after leaving his ship.11,12 Eumaeus refused to believe the stranger's story about Odysseus and his return, yet he invited him to sit, drink wine, and listen to his tales.2,13,14 He promised the stranger clothing for the night but stated he must wear his own old rags the next morning.10
Eventually, Odysseus revealed his true identity to Eumaeus, who dropped the bowls of mixed wine he was using in shock.1,15,16 He rushed toward his master, kissed his head and eyes, embraced him, and wept with joy upon his return.16 Eumaeus reported that Laertes was still alive but had stopped eating and drinking properly, sitting weeping while losing weight.3,17 Telemachus later instructed Eumaeus to secretly inform Penelope of his safe return from Pylos and to keep the news from others.18 The swineherd also advised Telemachus to be careful to keep out of danger because many bore him ill will.19
Eumaeus helped Odysseus plan a scheme against the suitors and assisted him in slaying them during the battle.1,20 Eumaeus was told to order the women to shut their apartment doors, and he instructed Euryclea to keep the women quiet if they heard fighting sounds.21,22 During the fight, Eumaeus killed the suitor Elatus with a spear and struck Polybus with a weapon.23,24 Ctesippus grazed Eumaeus's shoulder with a spear while the swineherd was holding a shield, prompting Eumaeus to taunt him for previously kicking Odysseus when he was begging.24 He also helped capture and bind Melanthius after he emerged with old armor, taunting him about his impending death while he was hanged.25
Eumaeus grieved deeply for Odysseus and honored his memory despite his long absence, living in fear due to the young masters who abused him.26,7 He was frightened by the outcry raised by the others during the conflict, yet Telemachus addressed him as an old friend.27,28 Regardless of the ending, he remained a steadfast guardian of the swine and a faithful servant to the king.29,1,2
The codex facts behind this entry
Eumaeus is the swineherd of Odysseus. Apollodorus, Epitome 7.32 +10
In the myths
Eumaeus returned to his location to tend to the pigs. Odyssey 17 ¶61 +1 Eumaeus reports that Laertes is still alive, has stopped eating and drinking properly, no longer supervises his farm work, and sits weeping while losing weight. Odyssey 15 ¶31 +1 Eumaeus refused to believe the stranger's story about Odysseus and his return home. Odyssey 14 ¶10 +1 Odysseus revealed his true identity to Eumaeus. Apollodorus, Epitome 7.32 +1
