
Philoetius was an Ithacan Greek cowherd in the service of Odysseus during the 12th century BC. He remained loyal to Odysseus for the entirety of the king's absence during the Trojan War of 1193-1183 BC, and, when Odysseus finally returned to Ithaca in 1173 BC after a twenty-year "Odyssey", he found that Philoetius was one of the few slaves who had not betrayed him. Philoetius and Eumaeus locked the palace doors for Odysseus when he went to confront Penelope's 108 suitors, and they also stole and hid the suitors' weapons to prevent them from fighting back. During the final battle, Philoetius himself slew the suitor Peisander, and Odysseus freed Philoetius and Eumaeus in recognition of their loyalty.