Original Text(~250 words)
ULYSSES IN THE HUT WITH EUMAEUS. Ulysses now left the haven, and took the rough track up through the wooded country and over the crest of the mountain till he reached the place where Minerva had said that he would find the swineherd, who was the most thrifty servant he had. He found him sitting in front of his hut, which was by the yards that he had built on a site which could be seen from far. He had made them spacious126 and fair to see, with a free run for the pigs all round them; he had built them during his master’s absence, of stones which he had gathered out of the ground, without saying anything to Penelope or Laertes, and he had fenced them on top with thorn bushes. Outside the yard he had run a strong fence of oaken posts, split, and set pretty close together, while inside he had built twelve styes near one another for the sows to lie in. There were fifty pigs wallowing in each stye, all of them breeding sows; but the boars slept outside and were much fewer in number, for the suitors kept on eating them, and the swineherd had to send them the best he had continually. There were three hundred and sixty boar pigs, and the herdsman’s four hounds, which were as fierce as wolves, slept always with them. The swineherd was at that moment cutting out a pair of sandals127 from a good stout ox hide....
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Summary
Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, reaches the hut of Eumaeus, his faithful swineherd who has spent years protecting his master's property from the wasteful suitors. The scene reveals the stark contrast between true loyalty and opportunism—while the suitors devour Odysseus's wealth without shame, Eumaeus carefully tends the herds and grieves for his missing master. The swineherd welcomes the stranger with genuine hospitality, sharing his simple meal and comfortable shelter despite his own modest means. Odysseus tests Eumaeus's loyalty by spinning an elaborate tale about being a Cretan warrior who heard news of Odysseus from King Pheidon, even swearing that his master will return within the month. Eumaeus, though kind to his guest, refuses to believe such stories—he's heard too many false promises from travelers seeking reward. His skepticism actually proves his devotion; he won't let hope cloud his judgment or cheapen his grief. The chapter showcases how real relationships are built on consistent actions rather than grand promises. Eumaeus's daily care for the herds, his respectful treatment of strangers, and his refusal to profit from his master's absence demonstrate authentic character. Through this encounter, Odysseus discovers he still has allies worth fighting for—people whose loyalty wasn't bought with wealth but earned through years of mutual respect and genuine care.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Swineherd
A servant who tends pigs, considered a low-status job in ancient Greece. In The Odyssey, Eumaeus represents the noble working class - someone whose worth comes from character, not social position.
Modern Usage:
Today we see this in any essential worker whose dignity comes from doing their job well, regardless of society's opinion of that work.
Hospitality (Xenia)
The sacred Greek duty to welcome strangers with food and shelter before asking questions. Breaking this code was considered offensive to the gods and showed poor character.
Modern Usage:
We still judge people by how they treat service workers, strangers, or anyone who can't benefit them.
Loyalty Test
When someone in disguise or under false pretenses checks if others remain faithful. Odysseus tests Eumaeus by pretending to be a stranger with news of his master.
Modern Usage:
Like when someone uses a fake social media account to see if their partner is cheating, or when bosses check employee behavior when they think no one's watching.
False Hope
Promising good news that may not be true, often to gain favor or reward. Eumaeus has learned to distrust travelers who claim Odysseus will return.
Modern Usage:
Today we see this in people who make promises they can't keep just to get what they want in the moment.
Stewardship
Taking care of someone else's property as if it were your own. Eumaeus builds better pig pens and protects the herds even though his master has been gone for years.
Modern Usage:
Like a house-sitter who actually improves the place, or an employee who works hard even when the boss isn't around.
Class Distinction
The social gap between nobles and servants in ancient Greece. Yet Homer shows that true nobility comes from character, not birth - Eumaeus acts more honorably than the wealthy suitors.
Modern Usage:
We still see how money and status don't automatically make someone a better person than those who work with their hands.
Characters in This Chapter
Odysseus
Disguised protagonist
Still in beggar disguise, he tests his swineherd's loyalty by telling false stories about knowing his master. He's learning who he can trust when he reveals himself.
Modern Equivalent:
The undercover boss checking if employees are loyal when they think he's not around
Eumaeus
Loyal servant and host
The faithful swineherd who has protected Odysseus's property for years. He welcomes the disguised stranger but refuses to believe stories about his master's return, showing wisdom born from disappointment.
Modern Equivalent:
The longtime employee who keeps the business running while the owner is away
Penelope
Absent queen
Referenced as someone Eumaeus doesn't want to worry with reports about the herds. Shows the swineherd's consideration for his mistress during her husband's absence.
Modern Equivalent:
The stressed-out family member everyone tries to protect from more bad news
The Suitors
Wasteful antagonists
Though not present in this scene, their constant demands for the best pigs show how they're draining Odysseus's wealth while contributing nothing.
Modern Equivalent:
The relatives who show up only when they need money and never help maintain what they're using up
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify genuine supporters by observing behavior when there's no immediate benefit to being loyal.
Practice This Today
This week, notice who treats you the same regardless of your current circumstances, and pay attention to your own behavior—do you show up consistently for others even when it's inconvenient?
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"The swineherd was the most thrifty servant he had"
Context: Describing Eumaeus as Odysseus approaches the hut
This establishes that loyalty and good character aren't about grand gestures but daily responsibility. Eumaeus proves his worth through consistent care of his master's property.
In Today's Words:
He was the most reliable worker Odysseus had
"He had built them during his master's absence, without saying anything to Penelope or Laertes"
Context: Describing the improvements Eumaeus made to the pig pens
Shows initiative and selflessness - Eumaeus improved the property without seeking credit or permission. He acted in his master's best interest even when no one was watching.
In Today's Words:
He upgraded the place on his own dime without making a big deal about it
"The suitors kept on eating them, and the swineherd had to send them the best he had continually"
Context: Explaining why there are fewer boars than sows
Reveals the parasitic relationship between the suitors and Odysseus's household. They consume the best while producing nothing, forcing loyal servants to enable their waste.
In Today's Words:
The freeloaders kept demanding the good stuff, and he had no choice but to give it to them
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Earned Trust - How Real Loyalty Reveals Itself
Real loyalty reveals itself through consistent everyday actions when no one important is watching, not through grand promises or dramatic gestures.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Eumaeus, despite his lower social status, demonstrates higher character than the wealthy suitors through his integrity and genuine hospitality
Development
Building from earlier contrasts between nobles and common people, showing how true worth isn't determined by birth or wealth
In Your Life:
You might notice how some coworkers with fancy titles lack the work ethic of those in 'lower' positions
Identity
In This Chapter
Odysseus tests his servant's loyalty while disguised, learning who he really is through others' authentic responses to him
Development
Continues the theme of disguise revealing truth, but now focusing on how identity is confirmed through relationships
In Your Life:
You discover who you really are by seeing how people treat you when you have nothing to offer them
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The relationship between Eumaeus and Odysseus demonstrates how genuine bonds survive time, distance, and uncertainty
Development
Contrasts sharply with the superficial relationships between suitors and Penelope, showing depth versus manipulation
In Your Life:
You can measure your relationships by asking who would still care about your wellbeing if you lost your job or status
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Eumaeus exceeds expectations by showing perfect hospitality to a beggar, while the wealthy suitors fail basic social obligations
Development
Reinforces how true nobility comes from behavior, not birth, challenging social hierarchies
In Your Life:
You might find that people with less education or money often show better manners and kindness than those who 'should know better'
Modern Adaptation
When the Promotion Goes Sideways
Following Omar's story...
Marcus returns to his old warehouse job after his supervisor position got eliminated in budget cuts. He's back to loading trucks, but now he gets to see who really had his back. Some coworkers whisper about his 'failure' and distance themselves, worried his bad luck might rub off. But Elena, the shift lead who trained him years ago, treats him exactly the same—saves him the good assignments when she can, shares her coffee, asks about his kids. When Marcus hints he might have another management opportunity lined up at a competitor, Elena just shrugs. 'Good for you if it works out,' she says, 'but I've seen too many people chase promises that don't pan out. You're solid here either way.' Her refusal to get excited about his maybe-prospects stings at first, but then Marcus realizes something profound: Elena's loyalty isn't based on his title or potential—it's based on who he's proven himself to be, day after day, over years.
The Road
The road Odysseus walked in ancient Greece, Marcus walks today. The pattern is identical: when circumstances strip away status and comfort, you discover who offers genuine loyalty versus who was only there for the benefits.
The Map
This chapter provides a loyalty detector—the ability to distinguish between people who support you based on your position versus those who value your character. Marcus can now identify his real allies.
Amplification
Before reading this, Marcus might have felt ashamed of his demotion and confused by people's changing behavior. Now he can NAME authentic loyalty, PREDICT who will stand by him during setbacks, and NAVIGATE relationships by focusing on consistent actions rather than convenient words.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Eumaeus welcome the disguised stranger so warmly, even though he has little to share?
analysis • surface - 2
What does Eumaeus's refusal to believe stories about Odysseus's return reveal about his character?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about your workplace or community - who are the 'Eumaeus types' who quietly do the right thing even when no one's watching?
application • medium - 4
How can you tell the difference between someone who's genuinely loyal versus someone who just talks a good game?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about why some relationships survive tough times while others fall apart?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Trust Circle
Draw three circles - inner, middle, and outer. Place people in your life based on their actual behavior during your tough times, not their promises or social media posts. Consider who shows up consistently versus who only appears when it's convenient. This isn't about judging others, but about recognizing patterns so you can invest your trust wisely.
Consider:
- •Look at actions over words - who actually helped during your last crisis?
- •Consider small moments - who remembers details about your struggles months later?
- •Notice consistency - who treats you the same whether you're up or down?
Journaling Prompt
Write about someone who surprised you with their loyalty during a difficult time. What specific actions showed you their character? How did this change how you view relationships?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 15: Divine Guidance and Dangerous Homecomings
In the next chapter, you'll discover to recognize when it's time to leave comfort behind and face reality, and learn building genuine relationships creates networks of protection and support. These insights reveal timeless patterns that resonate in our own lives and relationships.