Hateful marriage
Odyssey Book 18 line 257-266 Barry B Powell
A film stil from the series Odysseus
Penelope is pushing the moment of her marriage forward as much as possible. Not knowing if and when Odysseus would return.
Odysseus is forced to keep his cover as a beggar. Discovery of his real identity would be fatal. Since Odysseus has been away for a long time, the still unmarried and young suitors can't recognize Odysseus for they were still to young.
The real danger for recognition is in his staff and of course Penelope. Would it be impossible for her to hide her emotions? Therefore Odysseus is keeping distance.
Penelope continued:
Odysseus is forced to keep his cover as a beggar. Discovery of his real identity would be fatal. Since Odysseus has been away for a long time, the still unmarried and young suitors can't recognize Odysseus for they were still to young.
The real danger for recognition is in his staff and of course Penelope. Would it be impossible for her to hide her emotions? Therefore Odysseus is keeping distance.
Penelope continued:
The night will come when a hateful marrige will fall to my lot -wretched me!- whose happiness Zeus has taken away. But this dread pain comes to my heart and spirit, for you have been suitors in such a way as never before. Those who want to court a lady of good birth, a daughter of wealth, and who whish to compete one with another -well, they bring in cattle and strong flocks, a banquet for the friends of the bride and they give her glorious gifts. But they do not eat the substance of another without recompense!
Penelope initiates the wedding procedure, the marriage can not be postponed any longer. And they all send their heralds to bring her amazing gifts and Penelope returns with the gifts to her upper room.
Although the risk is high, no one has recognized Odysseus. He scares away female slave Melantho after she was hostile to him. He is now attending the fires and alone among the suitors. He warns them again for Odysseus' return. After Odysseus had words with the suitors, Telemachos asked them to go home, and after a drink, they went.
Although the risk is high, no one has recognized Odysseus. He scares away female slave Melantho after she was hostile to him. He is now attending the fires and alone among the suitors. He warns them again for Odysseus' return. After Odysseus had words with the suitors, Telemachos asked them to go home, and after a drink, they went.