Odysseus must first go to Eumaeus's hut not only becuase Athena orientated him to seek it out, but because Eumaeus's hut is an important plot point in the Odyessy as it allows for the logical reunion of Odysseus; who is disguised as a begger and his son Telemachus ;who is a prince as princes and beggers would not meet in a palace without rasing suspicion. It also provideds a safe haven for the two characters as the island of Ithaca has become hostile for both characters due to the plotting suitors.
