HOMER: The Iliad [Book XXIV]

In Book XXIV of Homer’s Iliad, Priam departs from Troy with the intention of ransoming Hector’s corpse from Achilles. Priam’s mission is a dangerous one – the Greeks may seize and hold him as a valuable hostage. Therefore, the god Mercury conducts Priam safely and stealthily through the camp to Achilles’ tent.

HOMER: The Odyssey [Book XXIV]

In Book XXIV of Homer’s Odyssey, the God Mercury conducts the souls of the dead suitors to Hades. During their journey, the suitors pass by the Elysian fields where they see Agamemnon speaking to Achilles. Agamemnon relates the story of Achilles’ burial and of the funeral games held in his honor. “Thus even in death your fame, Achilles, has not been lost, and your name lives evermore among all mankind.”

HOMER: The Odyssey [Book XXIII]

In Book XXIII of Homer’s Odyssey, the nurse Euryclea informs Penelope that Odysseus has returned and killed all the suitors. Penelope does not believe her, but rather claims that some god has punished the suitors for their wickedness. Nevertheless, she agrees to descend from her room to view the outcome of the battle.

HOMER: The Odyssey [Book XXII]

In Book XXII of Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus shoots an arrow through Antinous’ throat, killing him. The other suitors are shocked and angrily threaten to kill Odysseus and feed him to the vultures. However, after Odysseus reveals his true identity, the suitor Eurymachus tries to dissuade Odysseus from killing the rest of them. He says that Antinous was the leader of the suitors and was responsible for the squandering of Odysseus’ wealth. Eurymachus also promises that every suitor will recompense Odysseus. “We will make everything good among ourselves, and pay you in full for all that we have eaten and drunk. Each one of us shall pay you a fine worth twenty oxen, and we will keep on giving you gold and bronze till your heart is softened.”

HOMER: The Odyssey [Book XXI]

In Book XXI of Homer’s Odyssey, Penelope informs the suitors that she will marry the man who can string Odysseus’ old bow and shoot an arrow through the ringlets of 12 axes. Many of the suitors attempt to string the bow, but all fail. One of the suitors suggests that they wait until the following morning to try again. The rest agree, and they fall to feasting.