He thought Odysseus was dead.
The swineherd, Eumaeus, believed that Odysseus had perished during the Trojan War or had died on his journey home. He considered the possibility that Odysseus was lost at sea or met with misfortune, as many men from Ithaca had not returned. Eumaeus remained loyal to Odysseus and often lamented his absence, hoping for his eventual return despite the grim outlook.
Eumaeus
As Odysseus approached the swineherd's hut, the dogs almost attacked him.
eumaeus the swineherd
in a swineherd's hut
Eumaeus was Odysseus's swineherd.
The swineherd, Eumaeus, believed that Odysseus had perished during the Trojan War or had died on his journey home. He considered the possibility that Odysseus was lost at sea or met with misfortune, as many men from Ithaca had not returned. Eumaeus remained loyal to Odysseus and often lamented his absence, hoping for his eventual return despite the grim outlook.
Eumaeus
Odysseus told the swineherd if his lord didn't return as Odysseus said he would, the swineherd should kill him so that other beggars wouldn't try to deceive him.
Eumaeus was Odysseus's swineherd.
he told odysseus his background.
Odysseus told the swineherd if his lord didn't return as Odysseus said he would, the swineherd should kill him so that other beggars wouldn't try to deceive him.
As Odysseus approached the swineherd's hut, the dogs almost attacked him.
Odysseus proves his identity to the swineherd by showing him a scar on his thigh that he received while hunting as a young man. This scar was known only to a few people, so its presence helps convince the swineherd that Odysseus is indeed who he claims to be.
eumaeus the swineherd
Eumaeus, the loyal swineherd, takes in Odysseus disguised as a beggar without questioning him. Eumaeus is known for his faithful service to Odysseus and his family.
in a swineherd's hut