Helen is the first person to recognize Telemachus, who
looks like his father. She tells her husband, King Menelaus, that the young man is
Odysses' son. Menelaus begins telling everyone what a great man Odysses is, how much
Odysses did for him, and how much Menelaus loves Odysses. Soon, everyone in the room is
crying.
"A
twinging ache of grief rose up in everyone, and Helen of Argos wept, the daughter of
Zeus, Telemachus and Menelaus wept, and tears came into the eyes of Nestor's son--"
(Graves, 58)
Out of mercy,
Helen decides to slip some potion into everyone's wine so they will forget their misery.
This drink is one of her special gifts as a daughter of
Zeus.
"Whoever dranks this mixture in the wine bowl
would be incapable of tears that day--though he should lose mother and father both, or
see, with his own eyes, a son or brother mauled by weapons of bronze at his own gate.
The opiate of Zeus' daughter bore this uncanny power. It had been supplied her by
Polydamna, mistress of Lord Thon, in Egypt, where the rich plantations grow herbs of all
kinds, maleficient and healthful; and no one else know medicine as they do." (Graves,
60)
Helen then attempts to
bring levity to the weeping men by telling of Odysses' exploits, including one when he
dressed up as a beggar. Then Menelaus shares a story until everyone goes to
bed.
During the visit, everyone acknowledges that Odysses
is special and his absence is haunting. Helen acts out of kindness and
compassion.
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