Antinous of Ithaca
Also known as: Antinous of Ithaca · Antinoös
- 1Antinous is identified as the son of Eupeithes in the Epic Cycle.
- 2He is a prominent character originating from the island of Ithaca.
- 3His narrative role is primarily defined within the Homeric tradition.
- 4He is categorized as a figure within Greek mythology.
In the Epic Cycle, Antinous or Antinoös was the Ithacan son of Eupeithes, best known for his role in Homer's Odyssey.
Connections11
primary social group of Antinous
Antinous is the most aggressive and influential leader among the suitors who occupy Odysseus's palace, seeking to marry Penelope and seize his kingdom.
violated by Antinous
Antinous's behavior as a guest in Odysseus's home is the definitive example of the violation of xenia, the sacred Greek code of hospitality.
antagonist of Antinous
Odysseus is the rightful king of Ithaca whose return leads to the death of Antinous, the first suitor killed in the final battle.
target of Antinous's pursuit
Antinous is one of the most persistent suitors pressuring Penelope to remarry, which would effectively end Odysseus's reign in Ithaca.
rival of Antinous
Antinous frequently clashes with Telemachus, attempting to have him assassinated to remove the primary obstacle to the suitors' control of Ithaca.
father of Antinous
Eupeithes is the father of Antinous and leads the kinsmen of the slain suitors in an abortive revolt against Odysseus at the end of the Odyssey.
co-leader of the suitors
Eurymachus is the second most prominent suitor alongside Antinous, often acting as a manipulative counterpart in their shared efforts to usurp Odysseus's throne.
Co-leader of the suitors
Antinous and Eurymachus are the two primary leaders of the suitors who dominate the palace and plot against Telemachus.
rival suitor of Odysseus
Irus is a beggar who challenges Odysseus to a fight in the palace, and Antinous acts as the primary instigator and judge of this violent confrontation.
thematic motivation for Antinous's actions
Antinous's excessive pride and disregard for the gods and the laws of hospitality (xenia) serve as the primary moral justification for his death in the epic.
initial narrative arc featuring Antinous
The Telemachy, the first four books of the Odyssey, establishes the conflict between Antinous and Telemachus, setting the stage for the later revenge.
In the Epic Cycle, Antinous or Antinoös was the Ithacan son of Eupeithes, best known for his role in Homer's Odyssey.
Drawing of Odysseus killing Antinous by Tako Hajo JelgersmaWikimedia CommonsIllustration of Odysseus making himself known by shooting Antinous with an arrow while he is drinking by Theodoor van Thulden, Niccolò dell'Abbate and Francesco PrimaticcioWikimedia CommonsOscar Asche as Antinous in Stephen Phillips ' 1902 play UlyssesWikimedia Commons 128 words