Odysseus and Laertes

The emotional reunion between Odysseus and his aged father.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Laertes's Grief

The Father's Sorrow Withdrawal Laertes lives in poverty, grieving for his son. The Loss of His Wife His wife Anticlea died of grief, deepening his pain. The Hope Fades He has given up hope of seeing Odysseus again.

The Reunion in the Orchard

Odysseus Reveals Himself The Test Odysseus, disguised, tests his father by telling a false story. Laertes breaks down. The Scar and the Trees Odysseus shows the scar and describes the orchard, proving his identity. The Embrace Laertes recognizes him, and they embrace. Laertes is rejuvenated.

Laertes Fights

The Father's Valor Joining the Battle Laertes, rejuvenated by Athena, fights alongside Odysseus. Killing Eupeithes He kills Eupeithes, the leader of the uprising. The Family United The three generations fight together, symbolizing the restoration of the family.

Throughout Odysseus's absence

After the slaughter

During the Ithacan uprising