Sharpwolf; A queer interpretation of the Odyssey
After listening to Epic the musical, I decided, in preparation for the Odyssey movie. To read like, Five different translations of the Odyssey book(with the last one on the way!) And like the overanalyzing gal I am; I have opinions! Mainly, as the title says, about Sharpwolf! (I will be manly talking about Robot F translation of the Odyssey. But other books do follow this)
(Quick side note Lord do the people in this book can TALK🤣)
Going Into this books I expected the relationship of Telemachus and Antinous to be similar to how its shown in the musical and the movies I vaguely remember watching, an arrogant asshole and a typical lovable prince. I didn't get that
Instead what I read was something far more interesting
Throughout the book(s) Antinous makes it a secret to exactly no one that he is trying to get Telemachus alone, so that they can talk(or more) "Eat and drink with me as you used to" is a quote from the man himself. And Telemachus responds? Telemachus answers "Antinous. I can not enjoy your company as I used to" given the context, their relationship in the beginning was far more loving relaxed, so there's history behind them, and for sometime; it wasn't always bad or toxic
Telemachus saying "I am not good at eluquant speaking" while one of Antinous characteristics is that he is exceptionally eluquent can't be a coincidence either.
Along with that, the few times Antinous' dialogue is not interrupted by Eurymachus is when he is speaking with Telemachus.
And speaking of well, speaking. Antinous doesn't speak to Penelope if he can help(and by god does he try) he goes out of his way to not interact with her, even if she's yelling at him. To his face, Antinous will not speak to her. He himself didn't even care enough about the wedding shroud trick to try and figure it out himself, it was told to him. And once he learns about it his first idea is to ship her off (where on earth did the conception that Antinous is madly obsessed with Penelope come from?!? That man hates her guts)
Speaking of Eurymachus, he's the one who plotted to kill Telemachus. A plan he later blamed on Antinous, and Antinous himself seems to have no murderous intention for Telemachus. Not really
He wanted to kidnap Telemachus yes, and while he doesn't stop the murder plot he also doesn't seem to encourage it. In their interactions after the plot failed Antinous isn't angry or isn't spitful, he's almost playful. Talking to Telemachus like it was a petty argument and Telemachus responding in a similar manner
The relationships in this book are very interesting, and the media surrounding them can be very misleading (do NOT hate on the musical I love the musical) Penelope hates Antinous. That's true, but the hate is mutual, Antinous hates her(and the grandfather) just as much. Eurymachus admits it to Odysseus, saying that Antinous didn't like Penelope and was trying to find a different solution to getting power that doesn't involve marrying her
Do you understand how much you have to take someone for that? Especially in ancient times?
Now here's the queer interpretation of what I think happened
Antinous and Telemachus were lovers and Antinous planned to court and marry the prince, and went to Penelope and the grandfather for their permission. And for whatever reason (I have my own theories why) Penelope and Grampa refused the marriage. And weather it was Penelope, the old man, family, or friends; someone whispered poison into Telemachus' ear and Telemachus destants himself from Antinous and Antinous held a grudge ever since. That's why he tries to get Telemachus alone with him. He just wishes to talk, he wants to clear his name and start their relationship over, but desperation is a thing, and if Telemachus won't talk on the island. Then Antinous will have to kidnap him to make him to him
In the end; it's truly a sad story, a lie, a desperate man, two broken hearts, a backstabbing ally, and an already predated fate
