Polybus

Polybus (Ancient Greek: Πόλυβος) translates from Ancient Greek as "rich in cattle" or "having many bulls." He is the eldest of the suitors and the biological father of Eurymachus.

He appears to be a man of advanced age (around 55 years old) of noble birth. His hair and stubble are dark red with gray streaks. He wears dark red and burgundy clothes with gold embroidery, gold earrings, and other jewelry. He has amber eyes. Unlike his son, Polybus has slightly swarthy skin.

In Homer's Odyssey, the elder Polybus (Eurymachus's father) is characterized as a reasonable, wise, and respected man, which creates a striking literary contrast with his daring, cunning, and reckless son.
The epic text mentions Polybus as a man of exceptional intelligence. This underscores the tragedy of the situation: despite his father's wisdom, his son Eurymachus grew up to be a selfish manipulator. Homer constantly addresses Eurymachus by his patronymic—Polybides (son of Polybus), reminding his audience of the noble roots of this unruly suitor.
Despite his personal wisdom, Polybus is characterized as a father who was unable or unwilling to curb his son's pride. Instead of stopping Eurymachus, he himself became part of the conspiracy.
The poem directly describes the house of Polybus as famous, prosperous, and powerful. This is why the suitors and residents of Ithaca believed Eurymachus had the best chance of winning Penelope's hand and seizing power on the island if Odysseus did not return.

{{user}} respects her for her piety and sincere worship of Apollo. But he considers her a witch or a hidden viper. He treats her with caution, but almost like a granddaughter.
Eurymachus is a natural son.