Σ- A beggar in the palace

Antinous then contrived to create an amusing spectacle by having the two beggars fight for their share of the food. He told them that whoever won would get a loaf of bread along with a goat. Iros was younger and confidently rushed at Odysseus to ensure his victory. The old beggar, however, pretending to be Odysseus, dodged the blow and a fist struck Irus on the head, sending him unconscious to the floor. Then he dragged him like and threw him out of the palace.

The suitors, who were surprised by the outcome of the fight, began to serve wine to the old beggar. Telemachus, of course, had one more reason to be happy about his father's victory in the duel.

Penelope, who learned about the incident with Iro, came before the suitors, discreetly addressed Telemus, aho to scold him for letting the stranger be beaten in their house. Telemachus, however, assured her that he was sure of the stranger's victory beforehand, so he let him duel. At that moment, Odysseus' gaze fell on his wife, causing him to shudder with emotion. But he still didn't have to hold her in his arms.

The suitor named Eurymachus addressed Penelope to extol her beauty. Antinous wasted no time and asked Penelope to stop waiting for Odysseus, who was surely lost, and to accept the gifts of the suitors and one of them as her husband.

Penelope retired to her apartments, while the servants brought beside her all the presents of the suitors. The suitors, after their continuous drinking and as night fell, decided to go home..