Odysseus arrived at the hut of________, the swineherd.He found the swineherd lamenting the absence of_______.

Odysseus arrived at the hut of Eumaeus, the swineherd. He found the swineherd lamenting the absence of his master, Odysseus. 

If my master had grown old here he would have done great things by me, but he is gone, and I wish that Helen's whole race were utterly destroyed, for she has been the death of many a good man.

Athena disguised Odysseus so that no one could recognize him. The goddess made him appear wretched and poor. Athena directed him to first visit the home of the swineherd who was one of his most loyal servants.

The swineherd’s name was Eumaeus. In their conversation, Eumaeus lamented about the absence of his master (Odysseus). He also complained about the plunder by the suitors on Odysseus’ estate, and the heartache that it brought upon his family and friends. Eumaeus treated the stranger kindly not knowing it was Odysseus, his master in disguise. The swineherd told Odysseus of his son’s trip to Pylos and Sparta and the plot by the suitors to kill him upon his return. The stranger (Odysseus), informed Eumaeus that Odysseus would be back to take vengeance upon those who tormented his family and friends in his absence. However, Eumaeus did not believe him, claiming that previous visitors took advantage of the family by making similar statements which were false.

Eumaeus answered, “Old man, no traveler who comes here with news will get Odysseus' wife and son to believe his story.