Theoclymenus

Theoclymenus, a seer descended from the great prophet Melampus, enters the Odyssey as a fugitive exile seeking passage from Pylos. He is the son of Polypheides, whom Apollo made the greatest seer in the world after the death of Amphiaraus. Theoclymenus had killed a man of his own race in Argos and was fleeing the vengeance of the victim's powerful kinsmen. He comes upon Telemachus as the young man is making drink-offerings and praying in his ship at Pylos, and he immediately recognizes an opportunity for escape and a new beginning.

Arrival and Prophetic Omen

Theoclymenus approaches Telemachus with a formal supplication, beseeching him by his sacrifices, by the god to whom he prays, and by his own head and those of his followers, to tell him the truth about who he is and where he comes from. Telemachus, revealing his identity as the son of Odysseus and his purpose in seeking news of his long-absent father, accepts the seer as a suppliant and takes him aboard. As they sail toward Ithaca, a hawk—Apollo's messenger—flies by on their right hand, clutching a dove in its talons and tearing off its feathers, which fall to the ground between Telemachus and the ship. Theoclymenus immediately interprets this as a divine omen, taking Telemachus aside and declaring that the bird did not fly on his right hand without being sent by some god; it means that Telemachus will remain powerful and that no house in Ithaca will be more royal than his own.

Prophecy at the Palace

Once in Ithaca, Theoclymenus is sent to the house of Piraeus to be entertained until Telemachus can come for him. When he later joins Telemachus at the palace, Penelope, still grieving and uncertain, questions her son about his journey. Theoclymenus then speaks directly to her, declaring with a solemn oath by Zeus, the rites of hospitality, and the hearth of Odysseus, that Odysseus himself is even now in Ithaca, either going about the country or staying in one place, inquiring into all the evil deeds and preparing a day of reckoning for the suitors. He tells her that he saw an omen on the ship that meant this, and that he had already told Telemachus about it. Penelope responds with cautious hope, promising him gifts and goodwill if his words prove true.

Final Vision of Doom

Theoclymenus's most dramatic moment comes during the suitors' final feast, when Athena has made them fall into a state of mad, forced laughter. He alone perceives the supernatural horror that has descended upon the hall. He cries out that a shroud of darkness is drawn over them from head to foot, their cheeks are wet with tears, the air is alive with wailing voices, the walls and roof-beams drip blood, the gate of the cloisters and the court beyond are full of ghosts trooping down into the night of hell, the sun is blotted out of heaven, and a blighting gloom is over all the land. The suitors laugh at him, and Eurymachus mockingly orders the servants to turn him out into the streets since he finds it so dark there. Theoclymenus replies with dignity that he has eyes, ears, and a pair of feet of his own, to say nothing of an understanding mind, and that he will take these out of the house with him, for he sees mischief overhanging them from which not one of them will be able to escape. He then leaves the house and goes back to Piraeus, who gives him welcome, while the suitors continue their mockery, unaware that his prophecy is about to be fulfilled in blood.