1. Preparing the Hall: Odysseus and his faithful companions, including Telemachus, cleared the Great Hall, removing any evidence that could suggest a violent encounter.
2. Cleaning Up the Bodies: The corpses of the slain suitors were swiftly and discreetly removed from the hall. They were carried to a secluded location, possibly outdoors, where they could be hidden temporarily.
3. Enlisting the Maids' Help: Odysseus summoned the maids of the palace and ordered them to clean the main hall thoroughly. Their role was to wash away any traces of blood or signs of the struggle that had occurred.
4. Disposing of the Weapons: Once the hall was clean, Odysseus ensured that all weapons, including those belonging to the deceased suitors and his own men, were collected and concealed to avoid any indication of violence.
5. Using Smoke: To further conceal the scent of blood, Odysseus lit a fire in the Great Hall, producing smoke that would mask any lingering odors that could betray his actions.
6. Secrecy Among His Companions: Odysseus emphasized strict secrecy among his men. He instructed them not to divulge any details about the events that had unfolded to anyone outside their immediate circle.
By implementing these measures, Odysseus managed to effectively hide the slaughtering of the suitors, preventing the news from spreading immediately and giving him the opportunity to solidify his control over the palace and regain his rightful position as king of Ithaca.