EUMAEUS RUSTLES UP DINNER.

Eumaeus' hospitality in Odyssey 14, culminating in the sacrifice of a fatted boar, exhibits features of a post-raid feast. Inspired by the beggar's "Cretan tale," which conflates the themes of raiding and hospitality, the swineherd augments the rustic reception of his guest with an impromptu raid on the very livestock which the marauding suitors have stolen from his master. While the chine compensates Odysseus as the aggrieved victim of robbers, the portion honoring Hermes recognizes the Olympian founder of the animal-raid which, when executed with caution and celebrated with moderation, remains a legitimate heroic enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]