Book VIII · Episode 4 of 5

Gifts and Farewell

Phaeacians gift Odysseus, Nausicaä’s plea

Scenes

1. Dance of the Ball — Laodamas, Halius dance, delight Odysseus
   • They toss a purple ball skyward
   • The pair trade places to applause
   • Odysseus praises Alcinoüs for his sons’ skill
   • Alcinoüs proposes gifts of cloak, tunic, gold
   • Euryalus is charged to make amends
2. Euryalus’s Amends — Euryalus gives Odysseus a sword, reconciles
   • Heralds hurry off to fetch the gifts
   • The sword has an ivory sheath
   • Euryalus prays for Odysseus’ safe homecoming
   • He asks the harsh words be forgotten
   • Odysseus wishes Euryalus lasting happiness
3. Gifts Packed for the Voyage — Gifts packed, Nausicaä watches Odysseus
   • Alcinoüs gives a golden cup for libations
   • Arete warns him to knot it himself
   • Odysseus ties the knot as Circè taught
   • He passes a pillar freshly bathed
4. Nausicaä’s Farewell — Nausicaä reminds Odysseus, who vows honor
   • Nausicaä asks only to be remembered
   • Odysseus calls on Zeus for safe return
   • He vows daily prayer like a goddess
   • He credits her with saving his life