In at least 150 words, describe who melanthius is. Describe how he treats the the beggar/odysseus.

Melanthius is the son of Dolius, and is quite a minor character, but still quite important to Odysseus's story. He is Odysseus's goatherd, and is quite disloyal to Odysseus as Melanthius is unreasonably mean to the beggar, unknowingly disrespecting his master. After the encounter Melanthius claims to know nothing of it, even after being confronted by Odysseus and several suitors. Melanthius reatains his innocence, but early on in his speech as to how he didn't know about the assault on the begger, the suitors get furious and start fighting. Midway through this battle Melanthius is found to be attempting to take armor and weapondry to the suitors, proving his disloyalty to Odysseus. Melanthius is imprisoned, along with twelve equally as unfaithful maidservants, of which include Melanthius's very own sister. The twelve maidservevants are set to be hung, while Melanthius is taken to the inner court, his ears and nose are cut off, and in a fit of rage, Odysseus's son cuts off Melanthius's head and hands, killing him. (168 words)