The Suitors' Ambush and Telemachus's Return

The Odyssey

The suitors' plot to kill Telemachus and his safe return to Ithaca.

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The Plot DiscoveredThe Plot Discovered
The Suitors' Plan Antinous's Proposal Antinous proposes to ambush Telemachus on his return. They prepare a ship and lie in wait at the island Asteris. Medon's Warning Medon overhears the plot and tells Penelope. She prays to Athena. Athena's Comfort Athena sends a dream to Penelope, assuring her that Telemachus will be safe.
Telemachus Avoids the AmbushTelemachus Avoids the Ambush
The Safe Landing Athena's Guidance Athena warns Telemachus in a dream to avoid the ambush. He sails past the island and lands at a different harbor. Theoclymenus's Prophecy Theoclymenus interprets an omen as a sign that Odysseus is already in Ithaca. Telemachus Goes to Eumaeus Telemachus sends the ship to the city and goes to the swineherd's hut, where he meets Odysseus.
The Suitors' FrustrationThe Suitors' Frustration
The Failed Plot Discovery Noemon tells the suitors that Telemachus has returned. They are angry and frustrated. New Plans Antinous suggests killing Telemachus in the palace, but Amphinomus advises caution. The Omen An eagle with a dove appears, and Amphinomus interprets it as a sign that the plot will fail.
After Telemachus's departure
On his return from Sparta
After Telemachus's return