The character Melanthius doesn’t play a big role in this
myth, but he does play a significant role in this story. As Odysseus returns
home he once again disguises himself as a poor beggar, Melanthius crosses his
path not knowing it is King Odysseus' and is quick to insult him and makes fun
of how poor he is stating "hanging around the door posts, rubbing his
back, scavenging for scraps." Odysseus is very upset and mad that this is
the way people poor people of this rank are treated, the words spoken by
Melanthius quote "made Odysseus' blood boil." As Odysseus continues
to pass by, through all the taunting and harassing by Melanthius, he then kicks
Odysseus' in the hip in attempt to knock him off the path. The next Character I
wanted to discuss is Arnaeus or Irus. The role he plays in this myth is almost
confusing to me, why he challenges Odysseus in the first place is big question
in itself. He seems to be jealous, or feel threatened by Odysseus who is
disguised as a beggar, feeling as though he may take away food and jobs from
him, Odysseus to Irus is competition. As the taunting and verbal fighting goes
on, eventually Irus challenges Odysseus to a duel which is encouraged by the
suitors. Irus is confident in winning this fight broadcasting "Friends,
how can an old man, worn down with pain, stand up to a young buck?" He is
basing his age and stature on the fight, being young he think will always beat
the old. As the fight beginning Odysseus stands ready with Athena by his side,
the goddess making him buff and very strong no competition for the young Irus.
In turn Odysseus wins this fight with flying colors, not even a question of who
the winner was. The real question I have with this character is his relevance,
this part of the story seems to be thrown in there just to prove again that the
gods can do anything, for example make Odysseus strong and healthy again in
time to fight and win against Irus.
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