Book VII of twenty-four · From Calypso to Phaeacia

Reception of Odysseus by Alcinoüs

Odysseus wins Arete, promised passage

Guided invisibly by Athena, Odysseus enters Alcinoüs’ splendid palace and supplicates Queen Arete. Recognizing his borrowed garments, she questions him, and he recounts his seven years with Calypso, his raft’s wreck, and his rescue by Nausicaä. Moved, Alcinoüs offers his daughter in marriage but promises an escort home at dawn regardless, and the household retires for the night.

Argument, 1871 Return of Nausicaa to the city, followed by Odysseus —Palace and garden of Alcinous —Reception of Odysseus by the queen and her husband —Narrative given by Odysseus of his voyage and shipwreck.

Episodes of Book VII

1. To the Phaeacian City — Athena leads misted Odysseus to palace
   • Nausicaä Reaches Home
   • Athena Meets Odysseus
   • Unseen Through the City
2. Entering Alcinoüs’ Hall — Odysseus marvels, kneels, begs Arete
   • Palace and Garden
   • Odysseus Supplicates Arete
3. A Hero’s Welcome — Alcinoüs honors Odysseus, vows passage
   • Welcomed to the Hearth
   • Alcinoüs’ Promise
4. Odysseus Tells His Tale — Arete questions, Odysseus tells his tale
   • Arete’s Question
   • A Son-in-Law Offered
5. Prayer and Rest — Odysseus prays, sleeps in portico
   • Odysseus’ Prayer
   • Beds Are Made