Eumaeus is an endearing character in the Odyssey. When Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, disguised by Athena as an old man, Eumaeus —Odysseus´ servant— is the first human being that the latter meets upon his return. The servant welcomes him showing himself to be an admirable host. But since Eumaeus had been a good host, out of courtesy to the gods, to all of the suitors —who he himself would help Odysseus kill later on— Odysseus needed to be certain of his servant´s loyalty, that is why he tested him. In the end he proved to be loyal to Odysseus.
