The good servant By: Jonathan Gnanapragasm

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Archetype: The good servant

“Eumaeus jumped up in amazement and the bowls in which he had been
busy mixing the sparkling wine tumbles out of his grasp. Running
forward to meet his master, he kissed his forehead, his fine eyes, and
both his hands, while the tears streamed down his cheeks. Like a fond
father welcoming back his son after nine years abroad, his only son,
the apple of his eye for whom he has sacrificed much, the admirable
swineherd threw his arms round Telemachus the godlike youth and
showered kisses on him as though he has just escaped from
death.” (Book 16, pg 210, 13-22)

The good servant could refer to Eumaeus, the loyal swineherd. He is a
faithful servant who treats Telemachus as if he was his son. In book
16, Telemachus returns, and Eumaeus gives him a hero’s welcome by
showering him with kisses and giving him numerous compliments.
Eumaeus illustrates what a good servant should be by acting as a
friend to Telemachus. Telemachus tells Eumaeus that he had returned
only to hear new from Eumaeus himself and refers to Eumaeus as an,
“old friend”. This example of a good servant demonstrates how every
master would do well with a good and loyal servant.