Book XIII · Episode 3 of 4
Odysseus Meets Disguised Athena
Odysseus wakes on Ithaca, laments to Athena
Scenes
- Waking in a Strange Land — Odysseus wakes, fails to recognize Ithaca
- Athena wraps the shore in mist first
- He weeps and strikes his thigh
- Fears he has landed among lawless men
- Counts his treasures, finds none missing
- Disguised as a shepherd, Athena appears
- The Shepherd’s Riddle — Odysseus spins a tale of fleeing Crete
- Begs the stranger to name this land
- Shepherd describes Ithaca’s fertile soil
- Learns its fame has reached even Troy
- Hides his joy at learning he’s home
- Claims to have killed Orsilochus
- Athena Unveiled — Athena reveals herself, praises his cunning
- She transforms into a tall, stately woman
- Calls him a master of false guile
- Vows to help hide his treasure
- Odysseus doubts this is truly Ithaca
- Names landmarks: Phorcys, olive tree, Neritus