The Odyssey Book 14 Summary

When Odysseus arrives at the swineherd’s home in the forest, he is nearly attacked by the dogs.
Luckily for him, the swineherd Eumaios saves him and then welcomes him into his hut and offers him what little food and comfort he has.
While serving his guest, Eumaios talks all about the history of the land – King Odysseus’s leaving to fight in Troy, the suitors’ uncouth takeover of Odysseus’s home, Penelope’s staunch loyalty despite her suffering, and Telemachos’s helplessness against the suitors.
This is nothing new.
Still disguised as a beggar, Odysseus tries to tell Eumaios that Odysseus is not dead and will come back.
The swineherd is skeptical.
Then he asks the beggar about himself. Odysseus makes up an elaborate story about being a man from Crete, a commoner, who coincidentally has suffered many of the same trials that Odysseus did.
In his made-up story, he claims to have heard news about Odysseus, who had recently left an island just when the beggar arrived. He adds that Odysseus is currently consulting an oracle and then means to return home.
Eumaios thinks the beggar is lying. He says that Odysseus is dead at sea, but it’s pretty clear that the beggar’s story has planted a seed of hope.
Eumaios brings the beggar more food, making a big deal about treating his guest as Odysseus would’ve wished. Beggar Odysseus is touched.
After dinner, Odysseus wants to beg for a cloak so he can sleep, but tells a witty story instead.
Ah, but this is the kind of story that carries a subtle message, in this case, "Give me a cloak please."
Eumaios, who is one sharp swineherd, gets the message and gives the beggar a fine heavy cloak under which to sleep. He tells him to stay at the hut until Telemachos returns and can give him passage wherever he wishes.

Book 15

Book 13