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The Odyssey · Character

Eumaeus

The loyal swineherd who keeps Ulysses' hearth alive in his absence, offering shelter and fierce devotion to a master he believes is lost.

supporting

Also known as Swineherd Eumaeus, Noble Eumaeus, the master swineherd

First appearance: book xiii arrival of ulysses at ithaca

As a supporting figure in The Odyssey, Eumaeus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Eumaeus in book xiii arrival of ulysses at ithacaBook page

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With Ulysses (friendship): Eumaeus is the loyal swineherd and faithful servant of Ulysses, who aids him upon his return to Ithaca. With Ulysses (friendship): Eumaeus is the loyal swineherd and faithful servant of…

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See Eumaeus in book xiii arrival of ulysses at ithaca

Character Web

28 connections

A slice of how Eumaeus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

ULUlyssesTETelemachusJOJoveMEMedonPEPenelopeEUEumaeus

Relationship types

  • Friendship
  • Other

Character groups

  • Mycenaean Royal Family
  • Protagonist

+23 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Eurycleia’s recognitio…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Eumaeus in book xiii arrival of ulysses at ithaca
See Eumaeus in book xiii arrival of ulysses at ithaca
Who is Eumaeus in The Odyssey?