Argos the Dog

Aside from being one of the most memorable and sympathetic figures in the poem, Argos can also be seen as a symbol for the fidelity of Odysseus' household in his absence. The implication is that Argos could not die until his master returned, out of unparalleled loyalty to him; just so, Penelope and Telemachus stayed loyal to Odysseus in his extended absence, despite the many efforts of the suitors to dissuade them from this loyalty.