MEDON (herald of Penelope's suitors)
Figure of myth · Greek mythical character, herald of Penelope's suitors
- In the sources
- 10 ancient passages
Medon, a male servant in Penelope's household, possessed an ugly appearance.1,2,3 Listed among the dissipated wooers from Dulichium, Samos, or Zacynthos, Medon was also one of the servants accompanying the suitors, waiting upon them at table and urging the young men to enter the house for dinner.3,4,2
Medon overheard the suitors plotting to kill Telemachus from outside the outer court.1,5 Medon crossed the threshold of Penelope's room to inform his mistress of the conspiracy, expressing a wish that the gods would stop the murderous plan.1,5,6 Medon was present in Ithaca with the group of suitors who collectively devoured the household's wealth.4,3
When the retribution came, Medon hid under a seat, covering himself with a freshly flayed heifer's hide to survive the slaughter.7 Telemachus, whom Medon had treated kindly during his childhood, urged his father to spare the servant from harm, even wondering if Medon had already been killed by others.8 Medon removed the hide, approached Telemachus, and grabbed his knees in a display of fear and gratitude.7
After waking up and joining the assembly, Medon addressed the men of Ithaca to explain the actions taken against the suitors.9 He claimed he saw an immortal god disguised as Mentor standing beside Odysseus, stating that the divine figure encouraged Odysseus and attacked the suitors in the court.9
The codex facts behind this entry
Medon was a male servant in Penelope's household who was the preferred servant of the suitors. Odyssey 16 ¶38 +2
In the myths
Medon overheard the suitors plotting to kill Telemachus from outside the outer court. Odyssey 16 ¶38 +2 Medon informed Penelope about the suitors' conspiracy. Odyssey 16 ¶38 +1
