Who is Eurycleia in the Odyssey?

In the "Odyssey," Eurycleia is a servant in the household of Odysseus who took care of both him and his son, Telemachus, during their childhood days. During Odysseus' absence, Eurycleia serves the role of the confidant for both Penelope and Telemachus.

Through the course of the story, Eurycleia is informed of various intrigues within the palace and also serves as a secret keeper for both Telemachus and Odysseus. In the case of Telemachus, she hides the fact of his journey from his mother Penelope. Eurycleia also keeps Odysseus' identity secret after recognizing him due to a scar on his leg.