batch.motif.greek-odyssey-butler-gutenberg-l6733-l6832
---
record_id: batch.motif.greek-odyssey-butler-gutenberg-l6733-l6832
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
passage_locator:
label: ULYSSES LEAVES SCHERIA AND RETURNS TO ITHACA. / BOOK XIV / ULYSSES IN THE
HUT WITH EUMAEUS. / BOOK XV; lines 6733-6832
start: '6733'
end: '6832'
translation: The Odyssey
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: Telemachus prepares to sail while sacrificing to Minerva. The fugitive
seer Theoclymenus, descended from Melampus, approaches as a suppliant and asks
for passage after killing a kinsman. Telemachus accepts him aboard, and Minerva
sends a favorable wind. The voyage continues while Telemachus worries about death
or capture. Meanwhile Ulysses eats with Eumaeus in the hut and tests him by proposing
to leave for the city as a beggar and servant among the suitors. Eumaeus warns
him that the suitors are dangerous and urges him to remain until Telemachus returns.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Telemachus is occupied with prayer and sacrifice to Minerva at the stern of
the ship.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Theoclymenus is identified as a seer from a distant country, fleeing Argos
after killing a man.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: The passage gives Theoclymenus a lineage from Melampus, including figures
such as Antiphates, Mantius, Amphiaraus, Polypheides, and Cleitus.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: Aurora carried off Cleitus for his beauty so that he might live among the
immortals.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: Apollo made Polypheides the greatest seer in the world after Amphiaraus died.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:6
text: Theoclymenus asks Telemachus to tell him his identity, town, and parents.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:7
text: Theoclymenus declares himself a suppliant and asks Telemachus to take him
aboard so that pursuers will not kill him.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:8
text: Telemachus accepts Theoclymenus aboard and promises hospitable treatment in
Ithaca.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:9
text: Telemachus receives Theoclymenus' spear and lays it on the ship's deck before
they sail.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:10
text: Minerva sends a fresh strong wind to speed the ship on its course.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:11
text: Telemachus steers toward the flying islands while wondering whether he will
escape death or be taken prisoner.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:12
text: Ulysses and Eumaeus eat supper together in the hut with the men.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:13
text: Ulysses tests whether Eumaeus will keep treating him kindly or send him to
the city.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:14
text: Ulysses says he wants to beg in the city, visit the house of Ulysses, bring
news to Penelope, and offer service among the suitors.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:15
text: Eumaeus warns that the suitors' pride and insolence are dangerous and urges
Ulysses to stay at the station.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Telemachus
description: Son of Ulysses from Ithaca; prepares the ship, answers Theoclymenus,
accepts him aboard, and directs the voyage.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Theoclymenus
description: A seer and exile from Argos who has killed a kinsman and seeks refuge
with Telemachus.
role_refs:
- role:3
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Minerva
description: Goddess to whom Telemachus sacrifices; she sends a favorable wind for
the ship.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:7
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Melampus
description: Ancestor of Theoclymenus; formerly of Pylos, driven into exile, imprisoned,
escaped, drove cattle to Pylos, avenged a wrong, and later went to Argos.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Cleitus
description: Descendant in the Melampodid line; carried off by Aurora because of
his beauty.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Aurora
description: Golden-throned divine figure who carried off Cleitus for his beauty
to dwell among the immortals.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Polypheides
description: Son of Mantius; made by Apollo the greatest seer after Amphiaraus died;
prophesied for all men in Hyperesia.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Apollo
description: God who made Polypheides the greatest seer after Amphiaraus died.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Ulysses
description: Eats with Eumaeus in the hut and tests the swineherd by saying he will
go to the city as a beggar and servant.
role_refs:
- role:11
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Eumaeus / the swineherd
description: Host in the hut who is tested by Ulysses and urges him not to go among
the suitors.
role_refs:
- role:13
- role:14
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:11
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: Penelope
description: Queen to whom Ulysses says he would bring news of her husband.
role_refs:
- role:15
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: The suitors
description: Men in the house of Ulysses described by Eumaeus as proud, insolent,
abundant in food, and dangerous to Ulysses if he approaches them.
role_refs:
- role:16
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
roles:
- id: role:1
label: ship leader
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Telemachus boards, sits in the stern, commands the men with the ropes, and
directs the vessel.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: role:2
label: host to suppliant
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Telemachus refuses to reject Theoclymenus and promises hospitable treatment
in Ithaca.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:3
label: fugitive suppliant
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Theoclymenus says he is fleeing powerful kinsmen after killing a man and
asks to be taken aboard.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:4
label: seer
assigned_to:
- fig:2
- fig:7
basis: Theoclymenus is called a seer; Polypheides is made the greatest seer and
prophesies for all men.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: role:5
label: son seeking news of father
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Telemachus says he is from Ithaca, that Ulysses is his father, and that he
has sailed to seek news of him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:6
label: divine helper of voyage
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Minerva sends the ship a strong favorable wind.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:7
label: exiled ancestor and avenger
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Melampus is described as exiled, imprisoned, escaping, driving cattle, and
avenging a wrong.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:8
label: beautiful mortal taken by goddess
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Cleitus is carried off by Aurora for his beauty to dwell among immortals.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:9
label: divine abductor or taker
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: Aurora carries off Cleitus because of his beauty.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:10
label: divine patron of seer
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: Apollo makes Polypheides the greatest seer after Amphiaraus dies.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:11
label: tester of hospitality
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Ulysses begins trying to prove whether Eumaeus will continue to treat him
kindly or send him away.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: role:12
label: would-be beggar and servant
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Ulysses says he will beg in the city and serve by tending fire, chopping
fuel, cooking, carving, and pouring wine.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: role:13
label: protective host
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: Eumaeus urges Ulysses to stay and says he is not in anyone's way.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: role:14
label: warner against suitors
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: Eumaeus warns that going near the suitors would lead to certain ruin.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: role:15
label: queen awaiting news
assigned_to:
- fig:11
basis: Ulysses says he would go to Queen Penelope and bring news of her husband.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: role:16
label: dangerous household rivals
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: Eumaeus describes the suitors as proud, insolent, well supplied, and dangerous
to a man like Ulysses.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: ship
literal_form: Telemachus' vessel with stern, mast, ropes, hawsers, and sails
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: sym:2
label: sacrifice and drink-offerings
literal_form: Prayer, sacrifice, and drink-offerings to Minerva at the ship
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- id: sym:3
label: spear laid on deck
literal_form: Theoclymenus' spear received by Telemachus and placed on the ship's
deck
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: sym:4
label: favorable wind
literal_form: Fresh strong wind sent by Minerva to speed the ship
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: sym:5
label: hut
literal_form: The hut where Ulysses, Eumaeus, and the men eat supper
associated_figures:
- fig:9
- fig:10
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: sym:6
label: fire
literal_form: Fire on which Ulysses says he could put fresh wood as a servant
associated_figures:
- fig:9
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: sym:7
label: bread, meat, and wine
literal_form: Food and drink associated with begging, service, and the suitors'
loaded tables
associated_figures:
- fig:9
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: sym:8
label: cloak and shirt
literal_form: Garments Eumaeus says Telemachus will give Ulysses when he returns
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:9
- fig:10
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Seer approaches the sacrificial ship
summary: While Telemachus prays and sacrifices to Minerva at the ship, Theoclymenus,
a seer and fugitive from Argos, approaches him.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:4
- id: scene:2
label: Genealogy of Theoclymenus
summary: The passage traces Theoclymenus' descent from Melampus and recounts exile,
prophetic lineage, divine favor, and the carrying off of Cleitus by Aurora.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:5
- fig:6
- fig:7
- fig:8
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: scene:3
label: Supplication and acceptance aboard
summary: Theoclymenus declares himself an exile and suppliant pursued by powerful
kinsmen, and Telemachus accepts him onto the ship with a promise of hospitality.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: scene:4
label: Divinely aided night voyage
summary: The men prepare the ship and raise the sails; Minerva sends a strong wind,
and the vessel passes several places as darkness falls while Telemachus worries
about death or capture.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: scene:5
label: Ulysses tests Eumaeus in the hut
summary: After supper in the hut, Ulysses tests Eumaeus by saying he will leave
for the city, beg, bring news to Penelope, and seek service among the suitors.
figure_refs:
- fig:9
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
- sym:6
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: scene:6
label: Eumaeus warns against the suitors
summary: Eumaeus reacts with alarm, describes the suitors as proud and dangerous,
and urges Ulysses to remain until Telemachus can provide clothing and send him
onward.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:9
- fig:10
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:7
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: fugitive suppliant granted passage
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Theoclymenus says he is pursued after killing a kinsman, asks Telemachus
to take him aboard as a suppliant, and is accepted with a promise of hospitality.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
confidence: high
cautions: The passage gives no explicit taxonomy label for supplication; classification
is descriptive.
- id: motif:2
label: divine helper sends favorable wind for voyage
taxonomy_refs:
- departure
basis: After the ship is prepared, Minerva sends a strong favorable wind to speed
it on its course.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage emphasizes the voyage and departure, but the larger journey
context is only partly present in this excerpt.
- id: motif:3
label: return voyage under threat of death or capture
taxonomy_refs:
- return
basis: Telemachus directs the ship onward while wondering whether he will escape
death or be taken prisoner.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
confidence: medium
cautions: The return context is supported by the voyage toward Ithaca and passage
label, but the excerpt itself does not complete the return.
- id: motif:4
label: beautiful mortal carried off by goddess
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_beloved
basis: Aurora carries off Cleitus because of his beauty so that he may dwell among
the immortals.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
confidence: high
cautions: The notice is genealogical and brief; it does not narrate Cleitus' response
or later fate.
- id: motif:5
label: prophetic lineage and divine bestowal of seercraft
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: Theoclymenus is a seer descended from Melampus, and Apollo makes Polypheides
the greatest seer after Amphiaraus dies.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
confidence: medium
cautions: The taxonomy reference to wisdom is broad; the passage specifically concerns
seership and prophecy.
- id: motif:6
label: host tested by vulnerable stranger
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Ulysses explicitly tries to prove whether Eumaeus will continue to treat
him kindly or send him away, by proposing to go to the city as a beggar and servant.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
- ev:11
confidence: high
cautions: The excerpt does not explicitly mention disguise, although Ulysses' proposed
role is that of a poor dependent.
- id: motif:7
label: warning against arrogant suitors
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Eumaeus warns that approaching the suitors would bring certain ruin because
of their pride, insolence, and household abundance.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
confidence: high
cautions: This is a narrative situation rather than a supplied taxonomy family.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 6733-6736
quote_or_summary: Telemachus is busy in the ship's stern, praying and sacrificing
to Minerva when a man from a distant country approaches.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 6736-6750
quote_or_summary: The newcomer is a seer fleeing Argos after killing a man; his
ancestor Melampus was exiled, imprisoned, escaped, drove cattle to Pylos, avenged
a wrong, and later went to Argos.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 6750-6762
quote_or_summary: 'The genealogy continues: Amphiaraus was beloved by Jove and Apollo
but died at Thebes; Aurora carried off Cleitus for his beauty; Apollo made Polypheides
the greatest seer, and he prophesied in Hyperesia.'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 6764-6773
quote_or_summary: Theoclymenus comes to Telemachus during drink-offerings and asks
him, by the sacrifices and the god, to state his identity, town, and parents;
Telemachus answers that he is from Ithaca and son of Ulysses.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: quote
locator: 6778-6784
quote_or_summary: 'Theoclymenus says he is an exile after killing a man of his own
race and asks: "I am your suppliant; take me, therefore, on board your ship" so
that pursuers may not kill him.'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; short quotation.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 6786-6789
quote_or_summary: Telemachus says he will not refuse Theoclymenus and that in Ithaca
they will treat him hospitably according to what they have.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 6791-6799
quote_or_summary: Telemachus receives Theoclymenus' spear, lays it on deck, sits
in the stern with him beside him, orders the sailing preparations, and Minerva
sends a fresh strong wind to speed the ship.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 6801-6806
quote_or_summary: After sunset and darkness, the vessel makes a quick passage onward,
and Telemachus heads toward the flying islands while wondering whether he will
escape death or be captured.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: 6808-6813
quote_or_summary: Ulysses and the swineherd eat supper in the hut; after eating
and drinking, Ulysses tries to prove whether the swineherd will keep treating
him kindly or send him to the city.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: 6815-6827
quote_or_summary: Ulysses says he wants to beg in the city, visit the house of Ulysses,
bring news to Penelope, ask the suitors for food, and serve by tending fire, chopping
fuel, carving, cooking, and pouring wine.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: 6829-6832
quote_or_summary: Eumaeus is disturbed, warns that the suitors' pride and insolence
make them dangerous, says their tables are loaded with bread, meat, and wine,
and urges Ulysses to stay until Telemachus returns with clothing and help.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied passage. Motif candidates are descriptive
and use supplied taxonomy refs only where directly supported. No cross-tradition
comparison claims are made.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
All observations, figures, roles, symbols, scenes, and motifs cite evidence from the provided line range.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:greek-odyssey-butler-gutenberg__l6733-l6832
passage_sha256=03c1951cbe349839d27a2ff1a997f7b509e095a2493950ff7fa3788893e1c67e