Irus (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Irus (also known as Arnaeus) was a beggar of Ithaca. His name, Irus, meaning "messenger," was actually a nickname, as his true name was Arnaeus. He frequented the palace of Odysseus, where he served as a messenger for the suitors of Penelope, Odysseus's wife. He was known for his large appetite and his tendency to bully other beggars.

When Odysseus returned to Ithaca in disguise as an old beggar, Irus attempted to drive him away from the palace, claiming it was his territory. This led to a fight between the two beggars. The suitor Antinous instigated the fight, promising the winner meat and the right to be the only beggar in the palace.

Although Odysseus was old and disguised, he possessed far superior strength and skill, having retained his battle-hardened physique despite his years of travel. Before the fight, Odysseus even subtly adjusted his clothing to reveal more of his muscular form to the suitors, subtly intimidating them.

Odysseus easily defeated Irus, striking him with a single blow to the neck that nearly killed him. However, Odysseus restrained himself from killing Irus outright to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Instead, he dragged Irus outside the palace walls and left him there, alive but humiliated and broken. After the fight, Irus became a figure of mockery within the palace. His defeat foreshadowed the eventual defeat of the suitors by the disguised Odysseus.