Chapter 20 : The Odyssey / Rendered into English prose for…

Telemachus arrives at the remote hut of the swineherd Eumaeus, where he is warmly greeted by his loyal servant. Telemachus checks on the welfare of his mother Penelope, learning that she remains at the palace in deep sorrow while resisting the suitors. Inside the shelter, Telemachus meets a stranger disguised as a poor beggar, who is actually his father Ulysses in disguise. Demonstrating his hospitality, Telemachus offers the traveller food and clothing but explains that he cannot harbor him in the main palace due to the danger posed by the arrogant suitors. Ulysses expresses outrage at the insolent behavior of the suitors, questioning why Telemachus allows such dishonour in his home, while Telemachus explains the immense pressure he faces as an only son standing against scores of hostile noblemen. Telemachus dispatches Eumaeus to the palace to privately inform Penelope that her son has returned safely from Pylos, while instructing him not to make an extra journey to inform his grieving grandfather Laertes for the time being. Once Eumaeus leaves, the goddess Minerva appears outside the hut and commands Ulysses to reveal his true identity to his son. She uses her golden wand to instantly transform Ulysses, restoring his youthful vigor, handsome features, and clean garments. Returning inside, Ulysses astounds Telemachus, who initially fears he is witnessing a deity. Ulysses reassures him that he is indeed his long-lost father returning after twenty years, and the two embrace in an emotional, tearful reunion. With their identity established, Ulysses and Telemachus formulate a strategic plan to defeat the suitors. Telemachus counts more than one hundred men among the suitor faction and their attendants, expressing doubt that two men can prevail against such numbers, but Ulysses assures him that Minerva and Jove will fight on their side. Ulysses instructs Telemachus to return to the palace the following morning, while he will follow later in the guise of a beggar. Telemachus is ordered to bear any abuse without reacting and, upon a signal from Ulysses, secretly remove all the weapons and armor from the main hall into the storage room under the pretense of protecting the gear from smoke. They agree to keep Ulysses' presence a complete secret from everyone, including Penelope and Laertes, to test the loyalty of the household servants. Meanwhile, the ship carrying Telemachus' crew reaches the town harbor, and a herald announces his return to the palace while Eumaeus delivers the private message to Penelope. The suitors gather in dismay after discovering that their ambush in the strait failed to stop Telemachus. Antinous proposes assassinating Telemachus immediately on his rural farm or on the road before he can assemble the local people against them, but Amphinomus urges restraint, advising that they should consult the will of Jove before attempting to slay a noble. Penelope confronts Antinous directly, scorning his wickedness and reminding him of how Ulysses once saved his father from an angry mob. Eurymachus deceitfully assures her that no harm will come to her son while he lives. That evening, Eumaeus returns to the hut, where Minerva has once again transformed Ulysses into an old beggar, and the three men share a meal before retiring for the night.