NovelGuide: Odysseus: Novel Summary: Chapters 15-16

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Chapters 15-16

Chapter 15: Meanwhile, Athena finds Telemachus in Sparta, and tells him that he needs to return to Ithaca.� Telemachus asks Menelaus his host if he can leave, and Menelaus grants him permission after lots of gift-giving, and pomp and circumstance.� Telemachus returns through Pylos, but avoids speaking with Nestor, who tends to be wordy.� During the land trip, Telemachus meets a fugitive named Theoklymenos, who begs him for mercy and a safe place to reside.� Telemachus is merciful and takes Theoklymenos with him on the return to Ithaca.�
Meanwhile, Eumanios tells Odysseus his story.� He used to be a prince, but he was kidnapped by his evil nurse and sold into slavery.�
The story turns back to Telemachus, who has returned to Ithaca and has offered his home and food to Theoklymenos.�
Chapter 16: Telemechaus visits Eumaios, and they greet each other like a father and son, since Eumaios served as a surrogate father when Odysseus was gone.� Telemachus complains to Eumaios about his troubles with the suitors, and tells Eumaios to let Penelope know that he has returned from Pylos.� When Eumaios leaves, Odysseus reveals himself to Telemachus, who first mistakes him for a god, but eventually they both reconcile and cry out of happiness.
Father and son plot how to deal with the suitors.� Odysseus will enter his house in disguise, and when Athena finds the time opportune, they will kill the suitors.�
The suitors, meanwhile, have been on a wild goose chase trying to ambush Telemachus, and have just returned.� Dejected, Antinoos, the lead suitor, suggests that they still try to kill Telemachus, but the suitor Amphinomos suggests that they consult Zeus before they make a decision.� Penelope learns of the plot and cries.� Everyone goes to bed, safe for the time being.