Elpenor

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In Greek mythology, Elpenor was a good friend of Odysseus.

Elpenor was not especially notable for his intelligence or strength, but he survived the Trojan War, and appears in the Odyssey. When Odysseus landed on Aeaea, Circe's island, Elpenor became intoxicated and climbed onto the roof of Circe's palace to sleep. The next morning he forgot he was on the roof and fell to his death, but Odysseus and his men did not have time to bury him before they left on their quest to visit Hades. Elpenor was the first to meet Odysseus in the underworld, and pleaded with him to return to Aeaea and give him a proper burial. After finishing his task in the underworld, Odysseus returned to Aeaea and cremated Elpenor's body, then buried him with his armour and marked the grave with an oar of his ship. Elpenor's death in a careless accident is very much a symbol for the foolish behavior of the men throughout the book.