Antinous is a prominent character in Homer's Odyssey , known as the most arrogant and violent of Penelope's suitors. He is the son of Eupeithes and a nobleman from Ithaca. Antinous is one of the leading suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage during Odysseus' long absence, and he is depicted as mean-spirited, over-confident, and ruthless

. He notably disrespects the ancient Greek custom of xenia (guest-friend hospitality) by consuming Odysseus' wealth and livestock without reciprocation or respect. Antinous also shows contempt for the lower classes, exemplified when he assaults a beggar—who is actually Odysseus in disguise—by striking him with a chair

. Antinous is the primary mortal antagonist to Odysseus among the suitors. He plots to kill Telemachus, Odysseus' son, by sending a group of suitors to ambush him on his return journey to Ithaca, though this plan fails due to divine intervention by Athena

. His arrogance and cruelty culminate in his death as the first suitor killed by Odysseus, who shoots him with an arrow to the throat during the final confrontation in Odysseus' hall

. In summary, Antinous embodies the suitors' greed, disrespect, and hubris, serving as a foil to Odysseus' heroic and cunning nature. His death marks the beginning of the restoration of order in Ithaca and the reclaiming of Odysseus' household and kingship