Eurymachus was a nobleman of Ithaca and one of the most prominent among the 108 suitors who vied for Penelope's hand during Odysseus’s absence. Ambitious and politically minded, he aligned himself with Antinous in hopes of taking the throne of Ithaca. Unlike Antinous, who ruled through arrogance and aggression, Eurymachus often took a more diplomatic approach, positioning himself as a voice of reason within the group.

When Odysseus returned to Ithaca in disguise and revealed himself, Eurymachus tried to de-escalate the situation. After watching Odysseus kill Antinous, he appealed to the old king’s mercy. He argued that the suitors no longer posed a threat and that, with their leader dead, peace could be restored. Eurymachus even went as far as to suggest a gesture of open arms and forgiveness, hoping to avoid further bloodshed.

Odysseus, however, had no intention of forgiving those who had dishonored his home and family. Long past the point of diplomacy, he responded by shooting Eurymachus through the chest with an arrow, silencing him mid-plea. The killing of Eurymachus marked not only the collapse of the suitors’ last hopes for survival but also reaffirmed Odysseus's resolve to reclaim his kingdom by force, regardless of apology or repentance.