Who is argus in odyssey

For when their masters no longer exercise their power, then slaves have no desire to do their proper work. Far-seeing Zeus takes half the value of a man the day he's taken and becomes a slave. But once he'd seen Odysseus after nineteen years, the dark finality of death at once seized Argus. Greek Mythology. See also : Greek Mythology. Paintings, Drawings. Mythology Images. Greek-Library - Scientific Library. Homer , Odyssey , Book And so these two men talked to each other about these things.

Paintings, Drawings Mythology Images. Argos does not have that activeness when he was a pup. He was unable to move from his place. However, he wagged his tail as a sign that he has recognized his master even after 10 years. Argus Panoptes or Argos was a hundred-eyed giant in Greek mythology. He was a servant of Hera; one of the tasks that were given to him was to slay the fearsome monster Echidna, wife of Typhon, which he successfully completed.

Greek Mythology. Skip to content Users questions. In order to secretly re-enter his house to ultimately spring a surprise attack on the suitors, Odysseus disguises himself as a beggar, and only his son Telemachus knows his true identity. As Odysseus approaches his home for the first time in twenty years, he finds Argos lying neglected on a pile of cow manure, infested with lice, old, and very tired. This is a sharp contrast to the dog Odysseus left behind; Argos used to be known for his speed and strength, and his superior tracking skills.

Argos recognizes Odysseus at once, and he has just enough strength to drop his ears and wag his tail but cannot get up to greet his master. As soon as Odysseus passes by but not without shedding a tear for his beautiful dog lying in manure and enters his hall, Argos dies. This is important because if Argos lived, he would undoubtedly give away Odysseus' disguise and ruin his plan to kill the suitors. The simplicity of the relationship between Argos and Odysseus allows their reunion to be immediate and sincere.

Unlike his relationship with his wife Penelope, Odysseus does not need to worry about how twenty years apart has affected his relationship with Argos. His relationship with his dog, however strong, is much simpler and easier to continue than any relationship with his family or friends awaiting his return.