The Odyssey: Book 14

Book 14 (Mattie & Leah)

Important Quotes
“It’s wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing— / even one who arrives in worse shape than you. / Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus / and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us / they’ll find it welcome” (14.64-68).

This quote is significant to the epic because hospitality is a prevalent theme in The Odyssey. Because of the kindness of strangers, Odysseus survived his many years of wandering. Without the food, shelter, and generous gifts given to him, Odysseus would have starved or even have been killed by inhospitable people. This quote exemplifies the kindness and generosity of the people at that time, showing that even those with the least, such as a swineherd, are willing to share everything they have.

“Why, any tramp washed up on Ithaca’s shores / scurries right to my mistress, babbling lies, / and she ushers him in, kindly, pressing for details, / and the warm tears of grief come trickling down her cheeks, / the loyal wife’s way when her husband’s died abroad. / Even you, old codger, could rig up some fine tale— / and soon enough I’d say, / if they gave you shirt and clothing for your pains” (14.145-154).

This quote is important because it demonstrates how desperate Penelope is for her husband’s return. It also shows the toll Odysseus’ absence has taken on her and her son, Telemachus, along with how it has affected vagabonds, who make up stories in hope that they will be taken care of by Penelope.

“And now those gallant suitors lie in wait for him, / sailing home, to tear the royal line of Arcesius / out of Ithaca, root and branch, good name and all!” (14.208-210).

This quote is significant to the poem as a whole because it gives Odysseus the final obstacle in his Hero Quest. Penelope’s prevailing suitors plan to kill Telemachus and take over his household, which causes Odysseus to have the need to defeat them to save his name and his family.

Elements of a Monomyth

Book 14 of the Odyssey fits into the Hero Quest Pattern in a couple ways. The first element of a monomyth is the Return from Without. At this stage in the Hero Quest Pattern, the hero faces his/her final obstacle in getting home. When Odysseus finally lands at Ithaca he goes to his swineherds house disguised as a beggar. “It’s wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing- even one who arrives in worse shape then you. Every stranger comes from Zeus and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us, they’ll find it welcome” (14. 64-68). He swineherd has no idea that the beggar he took in is actually his long lost master. The swineherd and Odysseus talked for a long time and Odysseus tells the swineherd his story without revealing to the swineherd that he is Odysseus. It is at this point in the story that the swineherd gives Odysseus a final piece of information. This is also part of the Rescue from Without, but it helps Odysseus complete his journey. The swineherd tells Odysseus about the suitors and their plan to kill Telemachus. “And now those suitors lie in wait for him, sailing home, to tear the royal line of Arcesius out of Ithaca, root and branch, good name and all! (14. 207-210). The swineherd did not know it, but he gave Odysseus the final piece of information he needed to complete his journey home and become master of both worlds.


Book 14 (Gabbie)

Quotes:1) "My host- may Zeus and the other gods give you your heart's desire for the royal welcome you have shown me here!" P. 303 (60)

This quote is spoken by Odysseus, he is speaking to Swineherd. I thought that this quote was important because it is showing how welcoming and friendly that Swineherd was to Odysseus when he went to his home.
2) " Eat up now, my friend, it's all we slaves have got, scrawny pork, while the suitors eat the fatted hogs- no fear of the gods in their hard hearts, no mercy! Trust me, the blessed gods have no love for crime. They honor justice, honor the decent acts of me." P.304 (91)

This quote is spoken by Swineherd, he is speaking to Odysseus. I thought that it was important because it shows how Swineherd looks at his life, and about the Suitors, and the other gods.
3) " I hail from Crete's broad land. I'm proud to say it, and I am a rich man's son. And many other sons he brought up in his palace, born in Wedlock, sprung of his lawful wife. Unlike my mother. She was a slave, a concubine he'd purchased, yes, but he treated me on a par with all his true-born sons- Castor, Hylax's son. I'm proud to boast his blood, that man revered like a god throughout all Crete those days, for wealth, power and all his glorious offspring." P.308 (230)

This quote it spoken to Swineherd. I think that this quote is very important because it is Swineherd telling about his life. His true story, all of it that is is proud to tell. It helps us understand and know him better as a character. He wants people to know the truth, all the truth.

Monomyth:
I think that my book, book 14 from The Odyssey is at the Hero Partners stage of the hero quest pattern. Odysseus goes and sees Swineherd, who I think kind of acts like a mentor. Telling him about his life, and telling him the truth and other good traits to have. For example, " I hail from Crete's broad land. I'm proud to say it, and I am a rich man's son. And many other sons he brought up in his palace, born in Wedlock, sprung of his lawful wife. Unlike my mother. She was a slave, a concubine he'd purchased, yes, but he treated me on a par with all his true-born sons- Castor, Hylax's son. I'm proud to boast his blood, that man revered like a god throughout all Crete those days, for wealth, power and all his glorious offspring." P.308 (230) This shows Swineherd telling his story of his life and being proud of his past and wanting Odysseus to know the thruth. He acts like a father in a way, so I said it would be at the Hero Partners part of the hero quest.