Antinous

Antinous was a wealthy Ithacan nobleman, the son of Eupeithes. During Odysseus's long absence after the Trojan War, he became the ringleader of the 108 suitors who took over Odysseus's palace, consuming his wealth and vying for the hand of his wife, Penelope. He is first introduced in Book 1 of Homer's Odyssey as the most arrogant and aggressive of the suitors, already established as the chief antagonist within Ithaca.

His role is to embody the breakdown of social order and hospitality (xenia) in Odysseus's absence. He not only exploits the household but also plots to murder Telemachus, Odysseus's son, to secure his own power. When Odysseus returns in disguise as a beggar, Antinous cruelly abuses him, striking him with a stool. This act seals his fate: during the climactic slaughter, Odysseus shoots an arrow through Antinous's throat, making him the first suitor to die. [edit]

Antinous is arrogant, defiant, and violent. He sees himself as the dominant figure among the suitors and acts as their spokesperson. He is brazen and unapologetic, showing no hesitation or shame even when others recoil from his actions. Politically ambitious and ruthless, he is willing to kill Telemachus to secure his claim to the throne of Ithaca. His hubris and contempt for the norms of hospitality make him a symbol of moral decay. [edit]