the Odessey

Eumaeus is far more loyal to Odysseus than Odysseus is loyal to Penelope. Odysseus, Telemachus, and Eumaeus have just stormed the hall set to attack the suitors. With the help of Eumaeus, Polybus and the cowherd Odysseus uses strategy to surprise the suitors. Fighting side by side Eumaeus and Odysseus hurl spears and javelins into the throng of suitors slaughtering them one by one. In the heat of the battle a spear glances off Eumaeus’ shield and nicks his shoulder. Though wounded Eumaeus fights on like the loyal swineherd he is. “And again those led by the brilliant battle-master hurled their razor spears at the suitors’ ranks—and now Odysseus raider of cities hit Eurydamus, Telemachus hit Amphimedon—Eumaeus, Polybus—and the cowherd stabbed Ctesippus right in the man’s chest and triumphed over his body: ‘Love your mockery, do you? Son of that blowhard Polytherse! No more shooting off your mouth, you idiot, such big talk—leave the last word to the gods—they’re much stronger! Take this spear, this guest-gift, for the cow’s hoof you once gave king Odysseus begging in his house!’” (22.295-305). I find it interesting how Eumaeus, a loyal and innocent swineherd, can harbor such passionate hatred towards the suitors. I think that itself shows how loyal Eumaeus is to Odysseus. He is not even fighting for his kingdom or himself but for Odysseus and Telemachus. He also was injured during the brawl and continued to fight right back, raging at Ctesippus, gouging his chest with a dagger. Penelope, on the other hand, has not been so faithful or loyal to Odysseus. An important example of this is what she let the suitors do to Odysseus’ palace. They went on slaughtering his cattle and swine, swilling his wine, and laying waste to his good name. And all of them with only one immoral intension; to marry Penelope. All the while each night Penelope is mischievously unwinding what she has sewn that day. Eumaeus is willing to lose his life fighting for Odysseus while Penelope is ready to move on from him with another man.