Leódês is "the son of Oinops" (395). He "used to find visions for them [the Akhaians] in the smoke of sacrifice" (395). Of all the suitors, he alone has morals and is embarrassed by their behavior; "He kept his chair well back…for he alone could not abide their manners but sat in shame for all the rest" (395). Leódês is the first of the suitors to try and string Odysseus' bow, before Antínoös has Melánthios "kindle a fire" so that the suitors can "heat and grease the bow… try it limber" (395). Leódês is not strong enough and is unable to bend the bow; "The bow unbending made his thin hands yield, no muscle in them" (395-396). Leódês then says, "Here is a bow to break the heart and spirit of many strong men," which offends Antínoös (396). Antínoös scolds Leódês for suggesting that none of the other suitors will be able to string the bow, saying, "You were not born… to pull that bow or let an arrow fly. But there are men here who can and will" (396).
Leódês is killed by Odysseus, who "gave Leódês' neck a lopping blow," after Leódês begs for mercy (420). Leódês claims to never have troubled a woman or had any part in the suitors' activities. He says, "I had no part in what they did… Scruples go unrewarded if I die," but Odysseus is unimpressed, and accuses him of praying that "my sweet day of return would never come" (420). Even though Leódês is the only suitor with morals, Odysseus still kills him, saying, "No plea like yours could ever save you" (420).
-RG