MELANTHIUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Melanthius is a minor figure from Greek mythology, who is given prominence for his role in Homer’ Odyssey, for he appears in the tale, when Odysseus returns to Ithaca.
Melanthius son of Dolius
Melanthius was the son of Dolius, slave of the Ithacan court. Dolius had been given to Penelope by her father, Icarius, upon Penelope’s marriage to Odysseus.
Dolius had become the king’s gardener, who had then married a slave woman from Sicily. Dolius had then become father to at least seven sons, including Melanthius, as well as a daughter called Melantho.
Melanthius, and his siblings had been given, although still enslaved, prominent roles in the Odysseus’ court, for Melanthius became the goatherd of Odysseus.
Dolius had become the king’s gardener, who had then married a slave woman from Sicily. Dolius had then become father to at least seven sons, including Melanthius, as well as a daughter called Melantho.
Melanthius, and his siblings had been given, although still enslaved, prominent roles in the Odysseus’ court, for Melanthius became the goatherd of Odysseus.
Melanthius and the Suitors of Penelope
The absence of Odysseus from Ithaca for twenty years, saw the Suitors of Penelope take up residence within Odysseus’ home. Rather than offer up any resistance to the interlopers, Melanthius even went as far as bring Odysseus’ best goats for the Suitors to eat. Melanthius would then serve the food and drink to the Suitors, before sitting down to eat with them.
Melanthius also neglected his master’s animals as he carried favour with the Suitors. |
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The Downfall of Melanthius
Melanthius is used as a contrast to the loyalty of Eumaeus and Philotius, Odysseus’ swineherd and cowherd, as well as other members of the royal household.
When Melanthius saw Eumaeus in company with a beggar, Melanthius swore at the beggar before kicking him, unaware that the beggar was his returned master.
The beggar is of course revealed to be Odysseus and in the battle that followed, Melanthius is discovered attempting to get armour and weapons to the Suitors as they fought. Eumaeus and Philotius then bound Melanthius up until the fight was over.
Afterwards, the palace was cleaned by those female servants who had been disloyal, who were promptly hanged. Melanthius was then taken into the inner courtyard, where his nose and ears were cut off. The palace dogs then fed upon Melanthius’ lopped off genitals, and finally Melanthius’ hands and feet were chopped off. It might be assumed that Melanthius was thus killed, although this is not specifically confirmed.
When Melanthius saw Eumaeus in company with a beggar, Melanthius swore at the beggar before kicking him, unaware that the beggar was his returned master.
The beggar is of course revealed to be Odysseus and in the battle that followed, Melanthius is discovered attempting to get armour and weapons to the Suitors as they fought. Eumaeus and Philotius then bound Melanthius up until the fight was over.
Afterwards, the palace was cleaned by those female servants who had been disloyal, who were promptly hanged. Melanthius was then taken into the inner courtyard, where his nose and ears were cut off. The palace dogs then fed upon Melanthius’ lopped off genitals, and finally Melanthius’ hands and feet were chopped off. It might be assumed that Melanthius was thus killed, although this is not specifically confirmed.
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Colin Quartermain - Melanthius - 15th September 2021