Book XIII · Episode 1 of 4
Farewell at Scheria
Alcinoüs feasts, gifts, and speeds Odysseus
Scenes
- Gifts for the Guest — Alcinoüs urges final gifts before dawn
- Hushed silence follows Odysseus’ long tale
- Nobles asked to bring tripod and vase
- Public purse will repay the expense
- Phaeacians gather at ship with bronze
- Alcinoüs stows gifts beneath the benches
- Feast and Farewell — Odysseus feasts, asks to sail home
- Alcinoüs offers an ox to Zeus
- Demodocus sings again before the company
- Odysseus longs for evening like a ploughman
- He thanks Phaeacians for escort and gifts
- Prays his wife and friends stay well
- Departure from Scheria — Odysseus bids Arete farewell, sleeps
- Pontonous mixes wine for libations
- Assembly prays Zeus speed the stranger home
- Odysseus wishes Arete a happy life
- Arete’s maids bring cloak and provisions
- He falls into a death-like sleep