The Odyssey, Book 19 summary
Book 19 of 24 · 22 min to read the book
In Book 19, Ulysses and Telemachus hide the weapons, and Ulysses keeps his identity secret while Penelope questions him about her missing husband. Euryclea recognizes his scar but agrees to silence, while Penelope announces a bow contest that gives her marriage decision a definite test.
What happens
- Ulysses and Telemachus move the weapons into storage while Minerva lights their way.
- Penelope rebukes Melantho for insulting the stranger and questions him about his origins.
- Ulysses claims to be Aethon of Crete and convinces Penelope with precise descriptions of her husband's clothing and companion.
- While washing his feet, Euryclea recognizes Ulysses' hunting scar, but he threatens her into keeping his identity secret.
- Penelope describes an eagle killing her dream geese, and Ulysses interprets this as the suitors' destruction.
- Penelope announces a contest involving Ulysses' bow and twelve axes, then goes upstairs, where Minerva gives her sleep.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Odyssey, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this book
What to notice
The scar turns resemblance into recognition. Ulysses must now secure his nurse's silence to preserve his disguise.
Quick check
What makes Euryclea certain that the stranger is Ulysses?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Odyssey, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
