Who was the Nicest Suitor of Penelope? A Look at Odysseus's Rivals

The epic tale of Homer's Odyssey is filled with larger-than-life characters, and among the most memorable are the suitors who descended upon Ithaca, vying for the hand of the ever-faithful Penelope. These men, a veritable rogues' gallery, descended upon Odysseus's palace during his long absence at the Trojan War, consuming his wealth and attempting to usurp his throne. While the prevailing narrative paints them as uniformly arrogant and greedy, a closer examination, particularly within the nuances of the epic, might lead us to ponder: Who was the nicest suitor of Penelope?

It's a question that challenges the black-and-white portrayal often associated with these unfortunate characters. While none could truly be considered "nice" in the conventional sense, especially when contrasted with the steadfast virtues of Odysseus and Penelope, some suitors exhibit traits that, in the context of their decadent and often violent society, could be interpreted as less objectionable, or even possessing a faint glimmer of decency.

The Problematic Nature of "Niceness" Among the Suitors

Before we delve into individual suitors, it's crucial to understand the social and political climate of Ithaca. The suitors were largely princes and nobles from surrounding islands, each with their own ambitions. Their presence in Odysseus's palace was a direct challenge to his authority and a sign of the breakdown of social order. Their primary motivations were:

To marry Penelope, thereby gaining control of Odysseus's vast kingdom and wealth.
To solidify their own power and influence by associating with a prominent royal house.
To exploit the hospitality of Odysseus's palace, consuming his resources without contributing anything in return.

Given these circumstances, the concept of a "nice" suitor is inherently relative. They were, by definition, intruders and exploiters. However, the epic does offer glimpses into their personalities, and some stand out for reasons other than sheer brutality or gluttony.

Antinous: The Archetype of Evil

When discussing the suitors, Antinous is almost always the first name that comes to mind, and for good reason. He is consistently portrayed as the most arrogant, cruel, and unrepentant of the entire lot. He is the ringleader, the most vocal in his disdain for Odysseus and his family, and the one who directly instigates much of the suitors' most offensive behavior. His actions are driven by pure self-interest and a lust for power. Antinous is the suitor least likely to be considered "nice" by any measure.

Homer describes Antinous as:

"the most arrogant, the most insolent of all; he was the first to propose driving Telemachus from his home, and he was the most eager in consuming Odysseus's wealth."

Eurymachus: Deceit and Manipulation

While perhaps not as overtly aggressive as Antinous, Eurymachus is a close second in terms of villainy. He is portrayed as more cunning and manipulative. He uses honeyed words and feigned charm to mask his true intentions and to try and control the other suitors. When faced with the reality of Odysseus's return and his wrath, Eurymachus attempts to beg for his life, offering restitution. This act, while born of fear, can be seen as a flicker of self-preservation and a recognition of his wrongdoing, however fleeting.

Eurymachus is characterized by his:

Smooth-talking demeanor that masks his true greed.
Attempts to manipulate Penelope and the household.
Plea for mercy when confronted by Odysseus.

Lydian Suitors and the "Good Guys" of the Bad Bunch

Now, where do we find a glimmer of what might be considered "niceness"? The epic mentions numerous suitors, but some passages hint at a division within their ranks. While the text doesn't explicitly name every single suitor and their individual moral compass, it does suggest that not all were as wicked as Antinous and Eurymachus.

There are instances where the suitors are described as being divided in their opinions and actions. For example, some suitors might have been more hesitant about the excessive waste of Odysseus's estate or more respectful of Penelope's pleas.

The suitors who are less actively malicious, who perhaps are more passive participants in the general excess and arrogance, could be considered relatively "nicer." These would be the suitors who:

Did not actively participate in the most egregious acts of disrespect or violence.
Might have expressed some reservations about the suitors' behavior amongst themselves.
Were less vocal in their demands and less aggressive in their pursuit of Penelope.

It's important to reiterate that these suitors are still antagonists. They are still consuming Odysseus's resources and disrespecting his household. However, in comparison to the overtly villainous Antinous and Eurymachus, those who are less actively harmful might be seen as the "nicest" by default. These individuals, though not named heroes, are simply less terrible.

Amphinomus: The Exception that Proves the Rule?

One suitor who is frequently singled out for a more nuanced portrayal is Amphinomus. He is described as a man of good sense and noble character, even amongst the suitor ranks. While he still participates in the feasting and revelry, he is shown to be more respectful of Penelope and her wishes. He even offers a significant gift to Penelope, demonstrating a level of courtesy that sets him apart.

Here's what makes Amphinomus stand out:

He is described as having a "better disposition" than the other suitors.
He advises against Odysseus's immediate murder, urging caution.
He gives Penelope valuable gifts, showing respect for her position.

Odysseus himself seems to recognize Amphinomus's relative virtue. When the battle erupts, Odysseus spares Amphinomus initially, stating that he was "a man of noble spirit." However, ultimately, Amphinomus falls in the battle, a testament to the tragic circumstances that ensnared even those with better intentions.

Conclusion: A Relative "Niceness"

So, to directly answer the question: Who was the nicest suitor of Penelope? It is a question with no easy answer, as the context of the epic positions all suitors as antagonists. However, if we are to identify the suitor who exhibited the least amount of malice and the most semblance of good character, it would likely be Amphinomus. He stands out as an individual who, while caught in a dishonorable situation, possessed a degree of respect and good judgment that differentiated him from the rest.

It's a testament to Homer's skill that even in the portrayal of villains, there are shades of grey, and the concept of "niceness" can be explored, albeit within a deeply flawed and morally compromised group.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the suitors justify their presence in Odysseus's palace?

The suitors believed that since Odysseus had been away for so long and was presumed dead, he had forfeited his right to his kingdom and his wife. They saw themselves as the rightful inheritors, and their presence was their way of asserting this claim, however illegitimate.

Why were the suitors so disrespectful to Odysseus's household?

Their disrespect stemmed from a sense of entitlement and a desire to assert their dominance. By consuming Odysseus's wealth and insulting his servants and his son, Telemachus, they were demonstrating their contempt for Odysseus's authority and their intention to seize control of the kingdom.

Did Penelope ever show any favor to any of the suitors?

Penelope masterfully played a game of delay, using various stratagems to avoid choosing a new husband. While she was always polite and courteous as a hostess, she never showed any genuine favoritism towards any of the suitors. Her heart remained with Odysseus.

Why did Odysseus kill all the suitors?

Odysseus killed the suitors as retribution for their years of consuming his wealth, disrespecting his household, plotting against his son, and attempting to usurp his throne. It was a brutal but necessary act to reclaim his kingdom and restore order to Ithaca.