Eurycleia
The household nurse who recognises the returned Odysseus by his scar.
Overview
Eurycleia is a servant purchased and respected by Laertes who later nurses both Odysseus and Telemachus. Her knowledge is not abstract prophecy but memory accumulated through bodily care and household work. In Odyssey Book 19 she washes the beggar's feet, touches the scar left by a boar hunt in Odysseus' youth and recognises her master immediately. He covers her mouth and orders secrecy, so recognition cannot yet become public. She later helps distinguish loyal from disloyal servants and carries the news of return to Penelope in Book 23.
Relationships
- Odysseuskeeps secret
After recognising the scar, Eurycleia keeps her master's identity secret.
Story appearances
- The Odyssey HomecomingNurse who recognises the scar
While washing the stranger's feet, Eurycleia identifies Odysseus by an old scar.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.