2.Melanthius is a goatherd who worked for Odysseus. He has been in service of the suitors since Odysseus left and the suitors favor him, especially "Eurymachus, who favored him the most" (17.282) He probably is favored because he gives the suitors "the pick of his flocks" (17.233, 20. 192) The two times he encounters Odysseus he insults him for being a beggar.(17.239, 20.219)
3. Melanthius does not have the same heroic qualities as (Pamela H. pointed out were "the class' evolving definition of a hero") as Eumaeus which are, loyalty, bravery, humility, selflessness, courage, "admirable" and someone who is "true to task". Melanthius has not been loyal and has betrayed his master Odysseus by serving the suitors in his master's home, being their informant and by helping them do away with Telemachus' inheritance. He is not an admirable, humble or selfless person since he treated Odysseus badly just because he is a beggar. He considers himself to be part of the suitors, "your begging makes us sick"(20.200).Unlike Eumaeus, Melanthius is not"true to task" and hires "worthless fieldhands" (17.270) to work for him.
4. Melanthius is not a hero because he does have the qualities to be considered a hero. He acts only on selfinterest, easily betrays his master and is not humble, loyal or admirable.
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