Odysseus vs. the Suitors

The central human conflict between Odysseus and the suitors who have taken over his house.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Suitors' Occupation

The Suitors' Rule Feasting and Waste The suitors consume Odysseus's wealth daily. They refuse to leave. Disrespect They abuse servants, plot against Telemachus, and pressure Penelope. Odysseus's Knowledge Odysseus learns of their behavior from Athena and Eumaeus.

The Beggar's Endurance

Odysseus Suffers Insults Antinous's Stool Antinous throws a stool at Odysseus. He does not retaliate. Eurymachus's Mockery Eurymachus mocks him. Odysseus responds with a threat. The Conflict Builds Odysseus's patience is tested, but he waits for the right moment.

The Bow Contest

The Turning Point The Challenge Penelope sets up the contest. The suitors fail. Odysseus's Success Odysseus strings the bow and shoots through the axes. Revelation Odysseus reveals himself and kills Antinous, starting the battle.

The Slaughter

The Final Conflict The Battle Odysseus and his allies kill all the suitors. The suitors fight back but are overwhelmed. No Mercy Odysseus shows no mercy, even to those who beg. Victory Odysseus reclaims his house. The conflict ends with the suitors' complete destruction.

Throughout Odysseus's absence

The days before the contest

The day of the contest

Immediately after the contest