EURYMACHUS (character in Homer's Odyssey)
Figure of myth · character in Homer's Odyssey, son of Polybus
- Parents
- Polybus
- Allies
- Telemachus
- In the sources
- 34 ancient passages
Eurymachus, son of Polybus, was one of the chiefs present in the hall.1,2,3 He was considered much the foremost among the suitors, acting as a ringleader alongside Antinous.4,5,6 Accounts describe him as a man of understanding, though his temperament often shifted between great anger and deep grief.3,6,7 His standing in the community was such that he was considered much the foremost among the suitors, and he was one of the ringleaders among them.4
Eurymachus pursued Penelope with persistence, presenting her with a gold and amber necklace that shone brightly.2,8,9 He offered her more gifts than any other suitor, continuously increasing the size of his wedding presents.8,9 Penelope’s father and brothers pressured her to marry Eurymachus for a long time.8,10 He attempted to take the place of Odysseus, and the swineherd preferred him more than any of the other suitors present.2,11 Melantho was in love with him and engaged in improper conduct with him.12
He considered Telemachus to be his dearest friend and shared his supportive opinion regarding the stranger.13,3 Eurymachus reassured Penelope about Telemachus’s safety, claiming he would kill anyone who harmed the young man.13 Despite these public reassurances, he secretly plotted against Telemachus.13 He declared the suitors would continue harassing Telemachus with their suit and said they would eat up Telemachus’s estate without paying him.14
Eurymachus attempted to string the bow, even warming it by the fire.4,7 He lacked the strength to succeed, and he felt the suitors were inferior to Odysseus in physical strength.4,7 Eurymachus expressed deep grief over his inability to string the weapon, fearing this failure would disgrace them before future generations.7 He noted that a beggar successfully strung the bow and shot an arrow through the iron.15 Penelope criticized Eurymachus for allowing the estate to be consumed by suitors and urged him to hand the bow to the stranger for testing.16
Eurymachus mocked the stranger, ridiculing his bald head and claiming his hair was completely gone.17 He grabbed a footstool to strike the stranger, but the throw missed and hit a cupbearer, knocking him onto his back.18 Odysseus warned that Eurymachus would find escape impossible when he returned home, accusing him of being insolent and cruel.19 As the battle approached, Eurymachus was the only suitor who spoke while the others looked for escape.20 Theoclymenus predicted that Eurymachus would not escape the impending mischief.21
The codex facts behind this entry
Eurymachus is identified as the son of Polybus. Odyssey 1 ¶30 +4
In the myths
Eurymachus presented Penelope with a gold and amber necklace that shone brightly, offering her more gifts than any other suitor and continuously increasing the size of his wedding presents. Odyssey 15 ¶2 +2 Eurymachus attempted to string the bow, even warming it by the fire, but lacked the strength to succeed. Odyssey 21 ¶15 +1 Penelope's father and brothers pressured her to marry Eurymachus for a long time. Odyssey 15 ¶2 +1
