How is the swineherd connected to Odysseus?

Eumaeus, the swineherd, is Odysseus' trusted servant. While Odysseus is in Troy fighting in the Trojan War and on his many travels in his return home, Eumaeus acts as a father sort of figure to Odysseus' son Telemachus. When Odysseus returns, apart from Athene the goddess, Eumaus is the first person that Odysseus sees, while in his hut, disguised as a old man. He also helps sneak Odysseus into the palace and past the suitors.