Odysseus is forced to fight another beggar, Irus, because Antinous forces them to fight and the winner can stay in the palace. Athena gives Odysseus some of his muscle back and he is able to easily knock him out. Penelope then prepares herself and oils her skin to like a Goddess. Then Penelope announces to all the suitors that she will soon marry one of the suitors, this is because Athena inspired her to do so. Lastly the chapter ends when a slave girl, Melantho, who is sleeping with a suitor, Eurymachus, and speaks against Odysseus. Odysseus returns a comeback but then Eurymachus throws a footstool at him and then they all go home after their final drinks.