Odysseus: Novel Summary: Chapters 15-16

Chapter 15: Meanwhile, Athena finds Telemachus in Sparta, and tells him that he needs to return to Ithaca. Telemachus asks Menelaus his host if he can leave, and Menelaus grants him permission after lots of gift-giving, and pomp and circumstance. Telemachus returns through Pylos, but avoids speaking with Nestor, who tends to be wordy. During the land trip, Telemachus meets a fugitive named Theoklymenos, who begs him for mercy and a safe place to reside. Telemachus is merciful and takes Theoklymenos with him on the return to Ithaca.
Meanwhile, Eumanios tells Odysseus his story. He used to be a prince, but he was kidnapped by his evil nurse and sold into slavery.
The story turns back to Telemachus, who has returned to Ithaca and has offered his home and food to Theoklymenos.
Chapter 16: Telemechaus visits Eumaios, and they greet each other like a father and son, since Eumaios served as a surrogate father when Odysseus was gone. Telemachus complains to Eumaios about his troubles with the suitors, and tells Eumaios to let Penelope know that he has returned from Pylos. When Eumaios leaves, Odysseus reveals himself to Telemachus, who first mistakes him for a god, but eventually they both reconcile and cry out of happiness.
Father and son plot how to deal with the suitors. Odysseus will enter his house in disguise, and when Athena finds the time opportune, they will kill the suitors.
The suitors, meanwhile, have been on a wild goose chase trying to ambush Telemachus, and have just returned. Dejected, Antinoos, the lead suitor, suggests that they still try to kill Telemachus, but the suitor Amphinomos suggests that they consult Zeus before they make a decision. Penelope learns of the plot and cries. Everyone goes to bed, safe for the time being.