Meanwhile the news of the battle reaches the town and everyone goes to an assembly. An old man gets up and encourages the assembled men to pursue Odysseus for the murder. When these hard deeds were done by Lord Odysseus the immortal gods were not far off. Another old man gets up and tells the townspeople that the deaths were their own fault. He urges them to let the matter drop.
Many people agree, but a good number run for their arms.
The father of Antinoos rallies them. Athena approaches Zeus while this happens and asks him what he plans to do. Zeus says he already has plans but advises that Odysseus be made king in a sworn pact and everyone be made friends again. Athena goes down to Odysseus as he finishes his dinner, before the mob arrives. Odysseus arms with his companions and his father.