Episode
The Odyssey Books 15-16 with Jack Drury and Dr. Grabowski
- Published
- Jun 16, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 5029
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Summary
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by returning mentor Dr. Frank Grabowski—Third Order Franciscan, diaconate candidate, and Dean of Faculty at Holy Family Classical School—and Latin teacher Jack Drury for a rich discussion of Odyssey Books 15 and 16. Check out all our resources on the great books ! Check out Dr. Grabowski's new Substack on the great books. The conversation explores Telemachus’s maturation and homecoming, the poignant father-son reunion in the swineherd’s hut, and the deepening bonds of loyalty with Eumaeus. Listeners will enjoy thoughtful reflections on xenia (guest-friendship), Theoclymenus the mysterious prophet, Helen’s prophetic insight, Menelaus’s gracious hospitality, and the growing threat of the suitors, all while tracking themes of thumos, divine guidance, and the slow unfolding of justice. With warmth, humor, and insight, the trio unpacks Homer’s masterful storytelling—why Telemachus must become a threat, the nobility of the “lowly” swineherd, and the beautiful (and bittersweet) dynamics of recognition and reunion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 09:15 Telemachus' Journey: A Coming of Age Story 15:25 Menelaus: The Gracious Host 22:57 The Arrival of Theoclymenus: A Mysterious Prophet 30:36 Odysseus and Eumaeus: Testing Loyalty 31:05 The Swineherd's Loyalty and Laertes' Mystery 32:41 Odysseus' Questions and Eumaeus' Story 34:41 The Tragic Tale of Eumaeus 38:36 Social Status vs. Moral Character 41:47 The Unique Island and Divine Justice 43:43 Guest Friendship and Telemachus' Choices 46:25 The Reunion of Father and Son 50:29 Telemachus and Odysseus: A Complex Relationship 55:27 Testing Nobility and Virtue 01:00:25 Divine Disguises and Recognition 01:04:59 The Standard of Belief 01:11…