『オデュッセイア』における不忠の召使たちの処刑 --主人としての立場と怒り--

Abstract

In the Odyssey Book 22, twelve maids and the goatherd Melanthius were executed. Scholars have suggested that the severity of these executions played a significant role in Odysseus's return to his home and the establishment of Telemachus as his rightful successor. There is debate among scholars regarding the execution of Melanthius, with some proposing that only two servants were involved, while others argue that Telemachus also took part. This paper argues that Telemachus was responsible for the execution of all the unfaithful servants, positioning him as a potential master capable of expressing justified anger towards those who threatened his household. The study delves into how characters like Penelope, Eumaeus, and Odysseus demonstrate their anger towards disloyal servants as masters or hosts, highlighting Telemachus's emerging role as a potential master in the narrative.