Since the 8th Century BC, The Odyssey has entertained readers with its thrills, tensions and adventures. Homer’s epic chronicles the adventures of Odysseus as he returns to Ithaca. Odysseus’s journey to Troy, where he fought the Trojan War to protect his people, was not so pleasant. Odysseus is faced with many near death experiences throughout the story, which makes him and his crew rethink this decision.

Homer’s Odyssey conveys themes such as loyalty, authority, respect for gods and reverence of the gods. It tells of Odysseus journeying back to Ithaca. All of these themes can be seen in disguised Odysseus meeting Eumaeus who is the servant to the pigs. Eumaeus is a character that appears only in the final third of the story, but he contains the qualities that Odysseus looks for in his followers. Homer praises him for his loyalty and respect of authority. He is spared Odysseus’ wrath because he reveres the gods. Homer emphasizes Eumaeus’ character by focusing on his story. The audience is shown a model of a Greek ideal citizen through this attention.

Eumaeus is not just another servant in Odysseus’ estate. He stands out among the other subordinates. Athena tells Odysseus to go to Eumaeus. “…You should first visit the swineherd…true friend to your son and to Penelope …”. Greek myths have shown that a god sending a man somewhere to learn something is a good thing for both the person being sent and also the audience. Athena tells Telemachus that he must visit Nestor and Menelaus so that he can mature in tact and confidence. Circe also instructs Odysseus on how to get home by telling him to go to Tiresias. Athena’s request for Odysseus see Eumaeus also indicates the importance of Eumaeus.

Homer allows Eumaeus to share his story, which further distinguishes him. Eumaeus shares his story with Odysseus whom he perceives to be a begging beggar. It is this story which further develops Eumaeus. Eumaeus tells the story of his relationship with Odysseus in a very candid way. The audience can learn about Eumaeus’ true views on the suitors as well as his feelings for Odysseus and the family. Eumaeus expresses his thoughts to help the audience understand Eumaeus and his beliefs. Homer can use Eumaeus in the role of an ideal man.

In ancient Greece, a person’s ability to fulfill his role within society would determine whether or not they were considered good. Good men showed respect for the gods, submitted to those who ruled over them and were loyal to their household. Greeks regarded a man as good if they could accomplish all of the above, regardless of their motives or life’s other aspects. The Odyssey’s characters are all judged on this basis, and that is why some of the suitors look so bad: They drain Odysseus’s estate to provide for themselves instead of their own families. Eumaeus is a man who exceeds expectations by being humble and kindhearted while fulfilling his many roles. Eumaeus is the perfect man.

The gods will reward a person for submitting to their laws, offering sacrifices and prayers, and rejoicing in the presence of the gods. Eumaeus demonstrates that he respects the gods through his hospitality to a stranger, as Greeks expected this. Zeus often tested mortals’ hospitality, posing as beggars in need of shelter and cursing the unhospitable. Eumaeus is not reluctant to allow Odysseus disguised to spend the night. He instead slaughters a fattest pig for Odysseus so that he can have “the best of everything” at the mealtime. (XIV.497) Eumaeus laid out a bed next to the fire for Odysseus at night, covering it with sheepskin and goatskin, as well as the heavy flaring cloth he had kept aside …”. In this way, he gave the beggar his best (XIV, 586-590). He also shows generous hospitality and does not forget to sacrifice the best meat for the gods at meals. Odysseus notices Eumaeus’s constant reverence for the gods and praises him, hoping that they will bless him. Odysseus knows a lot about the importance of reverence towards the gods. His compliments to Eumaeus show the extraordinary devotion and respect that Eumaeus had for the Gods.

Eumaeus does not seek to improve his social standing, but he still respects Odysseus for the authority he holds. Eumaeus comes out as a former prince who was sold into slavery by Laertes in Book XV. This story suggests that Eumaeus is a good man. Homer creates this history to help the audience better accept Eumaeus in the society. Princes were brave, magnanimous people who embodied goodness. Eumaeus, despite being a slave, retains many of his princely characteristics, which makes the comparison between the swineherd’s ideal man and Eumaeus more plausible. Eumaeus is also shown to be humble and kind in his story. Eumaeus is not bitter about his noble heritage, but he does feel a debt to Odysseus and his family. Odysseus was raised by his mother alongside her daughter. She “treated him like a son” (XV.409). Melantho is the child Penelope raised in a similar way, but she mocks Penelope and her guest, Odysseus. Eumaeus, on the other hand, submits himself to his master and works to ensure that Odysseus and his household are successful.

Odysseus places great value on loyalty, and he will go to any lengths to rid himself of his betrayer’s. Odysseus’ loyalty, as well the Greeks, was a constant dedication to one cause. Eumaeus must have a cause, and that is to promote Odysseus. Eumaeus continues to be loyal even after Odysseus’ absence of over twenty years. He built the walls “alone” and with no help from Laertes nor his queen. Eumaeus is loyal to the point that he builds a pig enclosure without orders and sleeps in the cold to guard them. Odysseus sees this and is “warmed by the fact that Eumaeus took such care of his master’s things” (XIV.594-595). Eumaeus has a great love for his master. In a way, Eumaeus honors Odysseus and his son by caring so much about the pigs. Eumaeus loves Telemachus and welcomes him to Ithaca “as an adoring father welcomes his only son …”” (XVI, 19-20). Eumaeus is the only servant who does not abandon his duties when Odysseus returns.

Eumaeus, who is reverent of the gods and respects authority while showing loyalty to Odysseus, is a good person according to the ancient Greeks. But the swineherd is more than just a good person. His humility, love of Odysseus family and commitment to its success make him the ideal man. Homer uses Eumaeus because he does more than the minimum. In addition to the virtue of the ancient Greeks, Eumaeus goes one step further and fulfills his role in a way that is honest and true. Eumaeus is a good example of how a servant, who has the same attributes as a nobleman can be both genuine and warm-hearted. Eumaeus has become more than just a loyal swineherd. He is now “the ideal person.”

elliotjones

Elliot Jones is a 29-year-old middle school teacher and blogger. He has been writing since he was a teenager, and his writings have been featured on various websites and in magazines. He enjoys writing about education, parenting, and lifestyle topics.