Odyssey Study Guide Contents
The 7th book of the Odyssey begins with Nausicaa going to her palace while Odysseus prays at the shrine of Athena. Nausicaa's brothers unharness the mules and bring the washing inside. Nausicaa goes to her room where her aged servant, originally a war prize of her father, lights the fires.
Dressed as a young girl, Athena offers to lead Odysseus to the palace. The goddess shrouds him in mist so the Phaeacians won't notice him. The Athena-girl warns that Odysseus shouldn't talk to anyone since the Phaeacians aren't fond of strangers. She adds that the Phaeacians are confident in their ships and support from Poseidon.
When they reach the palace the Athena-girl tells Odysseus to be bold and to gain the support of Arete, the queen. If Odysseus can gain her favor, he'll get home again. Athena then leaves, headed towards Athens.
Odysseus goes into the palace and mention is made of the great natural abundance and skill of the inhabitants. Odysseus approaches Arete and grabs her knees. He asks for her help in getting back home and then sits down in the ashes by the fire until the wisest man in the gathering, Echeneus, brings it to Alcinous' attention that they are not being hospitable: the stanger should be seated, and given wine and food.
Alcinous then stretches out his hand to bring Odysseus to a chair, gives him water to wash his hands, food and drink, and makes a libation. Alcinous says that in the morning they should meet to discuss how to send the stranger back home in safety. After the guests leave, Arete asks Odysseus where his garments came from because since she had made them, she recognizes them. Odysseus tells the story of being stranded at Ogygia with Calypso and then being shipwrecked. Arriving on the Phaeacian whore, he was without clothing until Nausicaa gave them to him.
Alcinous replies that his daughter was remiss in not bringing the stranger to the palace right away, but Odysseus says that he had urged them to separate because there might be suspicions if Nausicaa were seen with him.
Alcinous is pleased with Odysseus' concern. He mentions that he wishes his daughter to marry someone like Odysseus. Then he says he'll find a way to send Odysseus safely on his way. Odysseus responds with a prayer to Zeus while Arete arranges a bed for Odysseus. When it's , tells Odysseus that he should go to sleep, which Odysseus does, and Arete goes to bed with her husband.
Book VI Summary|Book VIII
Read a Public Domain translation of Odyssey Book VII.
