In lines 118-131 of the Odyssey, the epic smile serves to emphasize the irony and foreshadow the impending danger that Odysseus will face upon his arrival in Ithaca. The epic smile is used to describe Odysseus hiding his true identity and appearing as a beggar to test the loyalty of his loyal swineherd, Eumaeus. By doing so, it sets the stage for the climax of the epic, as Odysseus prepares to take revenge on the suitors who have been vying for his wife's hand in marriage during his absence. This smile highlights the cunning and strategic nature of Odysseus, as he navigates his way through dangerous situations by disguising himself and manipulating those around him. Additionally, it accentuates the contrast between Odysseus' duplicitous actions and the loyalty and respect he receives from his loyal subjects, further reinforcing his status as a heroic figure.
