Book 16-With My Son Again

I woke up to the sound of the dogs barking. I got up to check the noise, and my son Telemakhos stood at the door. How great it felt to finally see him again. He talked to the swineherd about finally being home, and then I was introduced. It was hard to stay within the old man disguise. Eumaios said that I should go with my son, but my son wasn't very confident in himself. When Telemakhos spoke of the suitors, I tried to tell him what I would do in that situation. He responded by saying that he was afraid to back back to his house. My son told Eumaios to go and tell Penelope of his arrival. Once he left, Athena approached me, staying hidden from Telemakhos. She then took off my old disguise, and I was Odysseus again. My son was in shock, saying that I was some sort of god because I transformed. I convinced him I was his real father, and I gave him a great big hug, just happy to be together again. He told me of the current situation, and I told him the plan to attack the suitors. We decided we would need some help. As Eumaios came back, Athena put my old man disguise back on, and we went to sleep.

I'm so happy I'm finally back on Ithaka with my son. When I woke up, "But before he finished his tall son stood at the door," (289). I finally felt that my long journey home was worth it. I didn't know whether or not I would see him again, after all of the hardships that I have endured. Seeing him right in front of me, I knew that I was finally home. This made me feel inspired to get back to my house and take back what truly belonged to me.

When Eumaios was talking to my son about protecting me, he wasn't very confident in his abilities. Telemakhos said, "I am no told enough or trained in arms. Could I defend myself if someone picked a fight with me?" (291). This wasn't the type of attitude that I wanted to see in my son. He is the son of Odysseus, he has royal blood flowing in his veins. Although he has greatness inside of him, he's never been taught or seen that he can do it. He isn't sure of himself. People who lack confidence in their ability can't do anything they want.