Book XIV - Telemachus descends into the infernal regions in search of Ulysses; there, in the Elysian fields, he sees the after-life of just kings. He meets the shade of his great-grandfather, who reveals that Ulysses still lives

Summary

Telemachus, convinced by several dreams that his father Ulysses was no longer upon earth, executes the plan he had formed of seeking him in the infernal regions. He privately withdraws from the camp, attended by two Cretans, as far as a temple, near the famous cavern of Acheruntia, through which he passes in the dark; arrives upon the banks of the Styx, and is taken by Charon into his boat. He then goes and presents himself before Pluto, whom he finds disposed to let him proceed in quest of his father – in consequence of which he traverses Tartarus, and is a spectator of the torments which the ungrateful, hypocritical, and perjured, especially bad kings, are doomed to suffer.

Telemachus enters the Elysian fields, where he is known by Arcesius his great-grandfather, who assures him that his father Ulysses is still alive; that he will see him again in Ithaca, and reign there after him. Arcesius gives him an account of the happiness which the souls of the just enjoy, especially of good kings who, during their lives, have served the gods, and studied to promote the welfare of their people. He lets him know that the heroes who excelled only in the art of war are separated from the others, and less happy. He then takes some pains to instruct Telemachus, who immediately after sets out, and makes his way to the camp of the allies.