Mortal · Character in Homer’s Odyssey
Nausicaä
Princess who finds the castaway
Kind, self-possessed; stands her ground where her maids all run.
Sent to the river by a dream, she is the only one of her party who does not run from the salt-caked man in the bushes. She feeds him, clothes him, and tells him exactly whose favour he must win in the palace.
Bonds
- Athena patron of Nausicaä — sends the dream about the washing
- Nausicaä aids Odysseus — feeds, clothes, and guides the castaway
- Nausicaä daughter of Alcinoüs — princess of the Phaeacians
- Arete mother of Nausicaä — the mother Nausicaä bids him entreat
Appears in
- Book VI Odysseus Discovered by Nausicaä
- Book VII Reception of Odysseus by Alcinoüs
- Book VIII Festivals in Honor of Odysseus
Scenes
- Athena’s Dream Visit — Book VI. Athena urges Nausicaä to wash robes
- Nausicaä’s Request — Book VI. Nausicaä asks Alcinoüs for a wagon
- Washing and Games — Book VI. Maidens wash, bathe, and feast ashore
- Odysseus Emerges — Book VI. Leaf-clad Odysseus approaches, maidens flee
- Odysseus’ Supplication — Book VI. Odysseus begs Nausicaä, who calms maids
- Nausicaä’s Admiration — Book VI. Nausicaä admires, wishes for such a husband
- Instructions for the City — Book VI. Nausicaä tells him to clasp mother’s knees
- Nausicaä Reaches Home — Book VII. Nausicaä reaches home, mules unyoked
- Arete’s Question — Book VII. Odysseus retells Calypso, shipwreck, Nausicaä
- A Son-in-Law Offered — Book VII. Alcinoüs offers daughter, promises escort
- Gifts Packed for the Voyage — Book VIII. Gifts packed, Nausicaä watches Odysseus
- Nausicaä’s Farewell — Book VIII. Nausicaä reminds Odysseus, who vows honor