CHAPTER XX – THE SUITORS RECEIVE THEIR FINAL WARNING

Summary

Odysseus spends a restless night worrying about the challenge and whether he will be victorious.  Athena appears to him and says that she will aid him in his struggle.

Next day, there is a feeling of foreboding in Ithaca.  Zeus has sent signs in the form of thunder.

During this time, Odysseus observes his servants to establish who have remained loyal.  Eumaeus arrives together with the chief cowherd, Philoetius, another loyal servant.

The suitors have also been busy and have planned to assassinate Telemachus.

At lunch, Odysseus receives further abuse from the suitors, so much so, that Telemachus loses his temper and lectures the suitors severely concerning their vices and bad behavior.

The soothsayer, Theoclymenus also stands up and warns the suitors that there have been ill omens today, and that they will be punished for their mockery.

The suitors decide to ignore the warnings and revert to their drinking and debauchery.