In the seventeenth book of the Odyssey, Odysseus finally arrives at his home in Ithaca; however, he has been disguised as an old beggar by Athena so that no one will recognize him for who he is. The reasoning for this is that he will be able to slay the suitors, while still retaining the all important element of disguise. He is first "greeted" by the goatherd, Melathius who curses at the beggar and kicks him, but Odysseus takes the blow in stride and continues to walk on. Upon arriving at the palace, he is recognized for who he really is by his dog, Argos, who finally died after seeing his master.

When Odysseus goes into the palace, he is summoned by his son Telemachus. When he goes to meet his son, he sees that Penelope's suitors are with them. Athena then tells Odysseus to test the suitors...