Summary Book XVIII

Book 18
An insolent beggar, Irus, challenges Odysseus; goaded by the suitors, Odysseus fells the frightened braggart and wins a meal. Penelope, rendered more beautiful by Athena, enters the hall and scolds Telemachus for permitting a beggar to be maltreated. She laments the absence of Odysseus; the suitors give her presents and reiterate their intention to remain until she weds. After suffering further insults from the servant-girl Melantho, Odysseus is taunted by Eurymachus, who also hurls a footstool, though he misses. At the bidding of Telemachus and Amphinomus, the suitors retire.