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30 Dec 2025
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Who Are the Suitors in the Odyssey? Meet Penelope's Suitors, Antinous, Eurymachus, and More!
eleanor <3
@eleanorflovver
Additional Suitors and Their Significance
This page introduces several more suitors and provides additional context for their roles in the Odyssey.
Ctesippus is characterized as a particularly rude suitor who "never learned right from wrong." His actions demonstrate the suitors' disrespect for Odysseus and his household.
Example: Ctesippus throws a cow hoof at Odysseus (disguised as a beggar), mockingly calling it a "gift."
Leodes, the priest of the suitors, presents a more complex moral character. Despite his religious role, he is not spared Odysseus' wrath.
Highlight: Odysseus denies Leodes' plea for mercy, accusing him of praying for Odysseus' demise at sea.
Other suitors mentioned include Polybus (Eurymachus' father), Eurynomus (brother of one of Odysseus' lost crewmates), Eurydamus, and Peisander. While these characters play minor roles, they contribute to the overall portrayal of the suitors' presence in Odysseus' home.
The suitors' behavior is further elaborated, emphasizing their lack of proper etiquette in courting Penelope and their arrogant attitude towards Odysseus' household.
Vocabulary: "Swaggering" is used to describe the suitors' demeanor, painting them as villainous and deserving of their ultimate fate.
This detailed exploration of the suitors in The Odyssey provides valuable context for understanding the conflict at the heart of Homer's epic poem. It illustrates the challenges faced by Penelope and Telemachus in Odysseus' absence and sets the stage for the hero's dramatic return and revenge.
Suitors in the Odyssey: Key Characters and Their Roles
The Odyssey introduces several important suitors who play crucial roles in the epic's plot. This page focuses on three main suitors: Antinous, Eurymachus, and Amphinomus.
Antinous is portrayed as one of the ringleaders of the suitors and the most openly antagonistic. He is particularly hostile towards Telemachus, planning his assassination and treating him with condescension. Antinous' behavior exemplifies the suitors' disrespect for Odysseus' household.
Highlight: Antinous attacks Odysseus when he is disguised as a beggar, throwing a stool at him.
Eurymachus is described as the other main suitor and the favorite candidate for Penelope's hand in marriage. He is characterized as more cunning than Antinous but equally malevolent.
Quote: Eurymachus spoke with "kindness on his lips, and murder in his heart."
Amphinomus stands out as the "one good suitor" among the group. He is respected by Odysseus and distances himself from the others' more egregious behavior. Amphinomus serves as a foil to the other suitors and raises complex questions about fate and divine intervention in the epic.
Highlight: Amphinomus becomes a literary device, representing who Odysseus could have been in another life and embodying themes of fate and free will.
The suitors' general behavior is described as disrespectful and parasitic. They take advantage of Penelope's hospitality, feasting excessively and depleting the household's resources.
Quote: Penelope describes the suitors as "eating me out of house and home."
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Who Are the Suitors in the Odyssey? Meet Penelope's Suitors, Antinous, Eurymachus, and More!
eleanor <3
@eleanorflovver
The Odyssey is an epic Greek poem that features numerous characters, including the infamous suitors who vie for Penelope's hand in marriage during Odysseus'long absence. This summary explores the key suitors, their characteristics, and their roles in the story,... Show more
Additional Suitors and Their Significance
This page introduces several more suitors and provides additional context for their roles in the Odyssey.
Ctesippus is characterized as a particularly rude suitor who "never learned right from wrong." His actions demonstrate the suitors' disrespect for Odysseus and his household.
Example: Ctesippus throws a cow hoof at Odysseus (disguised as a beggar), mockingly calling it a "gift."
Leodes, the priest of the suitors, presents a more complex moral character. Despite his religious role, he is not spared Odysseus' wrath.
Highlight: Odysseus denies Leodes' plea for mercy, accusing him of praying for Odysseus' demise at sea.
Other suitors mentioned include Polybus (Eurymachus' father), Eurynomus (brother of one of Odysseus' lost crewmates), Eurydamus, and Peisander. While these characters play minor roles, they contribute to the overall portrayal of the suitors' presence in Odysseus' home.
The suitors' behavior is further elaborated, emphasizing their lack of proper etiquette in courting Penelope and their arrogant attitude towards Odysseus' household.
Vocabulary: "Swaggering" is used to describe the suitors' demeanor, painting them as villainous and deserving of their ultimate fate.
This detailed exploration of the suitors in The Odyssey provides valuable context for understanding the conflict at the heart of Homer's epic poem. It illustrates the challenges faced by Penelope and Telemachus in Odysseus' absence and sets the stage for the hero's dramatic return and revenge.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Suitors in the Odyssey: Key Characters and Their Roles
The Odyssey introduces several important suitors who play crucial roles in the epic's plot. This page focuses on three main suitors: Antinous, Eurymachus, and Amphinomus.
Antinous is portrayed as one of the ringleaders of the suitors and the most openly antagonistic. He is particularly hostile towards Telemachus, planning his assassination and treating him with condescension. Antinous' behavior exemplifies the suitors' disrespect for Odysseus' household.
Highlight: Antinous attacks Odysseus when he is disguised as a beggar, throwing a stool at him.
Eurymachus is described as the other main suitor and the favorite candidate for Penelope's hand in marriage. He is characterized as more cunning than Antinous but equally malevolent.
Quote: Eurymachus spoke with "kindness on his lips, and murder in his heart."
Amphinomus stands out as the "one good suitor" among the group. He is respected by Odysseus and distances himself from the others' more egregious behavior. Amphinomus serves as a foil to the other suitors and raises complex questions about fate and divine intervention in the epic.
Highlight: Amphinomus becomes a literary device, representing who Odysseus could have been in another life and embodying themes of fate and free will.
The suitors' general behavior is described as disrespectful and parasitic. They take advantage of Penelope's hospitality, feasting excessively and depleting the household's resources.
Quote: Penelope describes the suitors as "eating me out of house and home."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content in Classical Civilisation
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App Store
4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user