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The Odyssey · Character

Eurycleia

The aged nurse who raised Ulysses and now serves his household, her sharp eyes and long memory making her both witness and keeper of the family's secrets.

supporting

Also known as the aged Eurycleia, Dame Eurycleia, the prudent Eurycleia

First appearance: the odyssey

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

See Eurycleia in the odysseyBook page

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With Ulysses (professional): Eurycleia is the old nurse of Ulysses, who recognizes him by a scar and remains a loyal servant in his household. With Ulysses (professional): Eurycleia is the old nurse of Ulysses, who…

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The fuller portrait of Eurycleia sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Eurycleia in the odyssey

Character Web

18 connections

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

ULUlyssesTETelemachusPEPenelopePAPallas AtheneLALaertesEUEurycleia

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Other

Character groups

  • Mythological and Secondary Characters
  • Protagonist
  • Mycenaean Royal Family

+13 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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

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

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Eurycleia in the odyssey
See Eurycleia in the odyssey