Eurycleia of Ithaca

In the Homeric and later summary traditions Eurycleia is presented as a member of Odysseus's household lineage: she is named as the daughter of Ops and granddaughter of Peisenor and is identified as Odysseus's wet-nurse and long-serving attendant. Her origins are domestic and genealogical rather than divine; she is embedded in the continuity of the household (oikos) and is remembered principally for nursing and raising Odysseus in infancy and for her continued service through his prolonged absence and eventual return.

Sources give only sparse physical description, consistently marking her as aged and as a nurse or maidservant. She is represented in the epic-cycle and summaries as an elderly, long-serving household attendant — an 'aged maid' or 'aged nurse' whose social status is defined by her lifelong service rather than by distinctive clothing or heroic accoutrements. No detailed bodily features or dress are specified in the provided sources.

Eurycleia's 'abilities' are practical and social: wet-nursing (having nursed Odysseus), domestic management (preparing provisions such as barley meal and wine at Telemachus's instruction), caregiving, custodianship of household secrets, and acting as a trusted confidante. Textual notes record that she is sworn to secrecy by household members (Odysseus and/or Telemachus in various accounts) and that she participates in sheltering and supporting loyal members of the oikos during crises. She is mortal and her agency is exercised within the constraints of household hierarchy.