"Who’s there to fear? I ask you.
Surely not Telemachus, with all his tiresome threats.
Nor do we balk, old man, at the prophecies you mouth –
they’ll come to grief, they’ll make us hate you more.
The prince’s wealth will be devoured as always,
mercilessly – no reparations, ever…not
while the queen drags out our hopes to wed her."
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 2, lines 221-227. Eurymachus makes clear that the suitors have no fear of Telemachus and his threats. Nor are they concerned about Halitherses’ prophecies. They will carry on consuming Telemachus’ wealth until his mother agrees to marry one of them, he vows. This demonstrates the reckless and shameless greed of the suitors. Greed is a theme that is apparent throughout the epic poem.