Book XIII of twenty-four · Homecoming in Disguise

Arrival of Odysseus at Ithaca

Odysseus returns to Ithaca in disguise

The Phaeacians ferry Odysseus home asleep, leaving him with his gifts on Ithaca’s shore, and Poseidon punishes their kindness by turning the returning ship to stone. Waking in an unrecognized land, Odysseus is met by a shepherd who is Athena in disguise; she reveals herself, helps him hide his treasure, and transforms him into a squalid old beggar to spy on his house before facing the suitors.

Argument, 1871 Departure of Odysseus from the court of Alcinous —Arrival of the ship at Ithaca —Odysseus carried on shore by the Phaeacians while asleep, and left —His treasures landed also —The ship, while returning, transformed by Poseidon into a rock —Dialogue between Athena and Odysseus concerning the destruction of the suitors —Concealment of the treasures in a cave —Transformation of Odysseus into an old man.

Episodes of Book XIII

1. Farewell at Scheria — Alcinoüs feasts, gifts, and speeds Odysseus
   • Gifts for the Guest
   • Feast and Farewell
   • Departure from Scheria
2. Landing and Poseidon’s Wrath — Odysseus lands as Poseidon stones the ship
   • Landing at Ithaca
   • Poseidon’s Complaint
   • Phaeacians’ Prophecy Fulfilled
3. Odysseus Meets Disguised Athena — Odysseus wakes on Ithaca, laments to Athena
   • Waking in a Strange Land
   • The Shepherd’s Riddle
   • Athena Unveiled
4. Counsel and Disguise — Odysseus conceals treasure, becomes a beggar
   • Hiding the Treasure
   • Plot Against the Suitors