Book VI · Episode 2 of 4
River Washing Interrupted
Maidens play, a ball wakes Odysseus
Scenes
- Washing and Games — Maidens wash, bathe, and feast ashore
- Mother packs food, wine, golden oil
- Maidens trample robes clean in shallows
- Girls bathe and anoint after washing
- Nausicaä sings, outshines nymphs like Artemis
- Errant throw wakes sleeping Odysseus
- Odysseus Emerges — Leaf-clad Odysseus approaches, maidens flee
- Wonders whether land holds savage folk
- Breaks branch to shield his nakedness
- Strides out like a hungry lion
- Nausicaä alone stands firm, aided by Athena
- Opts for gentle words, not knee-clasping