The Ancient World (HUM 124 - UNC Asheville)/Texts/Odyssey/Book 7

Summary

At the beginning of Book 7, Odysseus is headed towards the palace of Alcinous, king of Pheaecians, with Athena's mist protecting him from any islander who may provoke him on his way. When he reaches the city, he is stopped by a young girl, who happens to be Athena in disguise. She offers to guide him to the king’s palace and on the way she tells him to not make contact with any of the Phaeacian people, as she uses her protective mist. When the two approach the palace of King Alcinous, Athena tells Odysseus to be bold upon entering the palace and to gain the trust of queen Arete. Odysseus agrees and heads inside of the palace where he is amazed by the marvelous scenery inside. He soon comes across Arete and puts his arms around her knees, causing the protective mist to dissipate and in hopes to win Queen Arete's sympathy as Athena and Princess Nausicaa ordered him to do. He blesses them and the rest of their family as he begs to help him get back home to his own family.

Odysseus goes into further explanation when he is questioned on the clothes he was wearing, clothes similar to the same ones in Alcinous and Arete's household. Odysseus explains to his hosts about how he was held captive for seven years on the island Ogygia by Calypso, his escape, and how he ended up on the shores of the city and met with their daughter, Nausicaa, who offered him the clothes. Odysseus also claims that he came into the city alone, and that it was his idea to not accompany the princess on her way back to the palace. Finally, Alcinous agrees to help Odysseus get back home by ship.

Characters

Odysseus

The main protagonist of The Odyssey. At the beginning of the this book, Odysseus has been long away from home and must plead for sympathy from the King and Queen of Phaeacians. He welcomed by his new friends as they guarantee him a ship and crew to take him home.

Athena

The goddess of wisdom and the daughter of Zeus. Athena disguised herself as a young Phaeacian girl and puts Odysseus in a protective mist as she leads him straight to King Alcinous's palace.

Alcinous

The King of the Phaeacians. Alcinous lives in a grand palace and has many workers along with a large orchard. Alcinous welcomes his new guest into his home without question, feeds him and give him drink. He cares for Odysseus's entertainment and satisfaction. He offers Odysseus a ship and a crew to sail him back to his homeland.

Arete

The Queen of the Phaeacians. Arete is honored highly by her husband, Alcinous, and the people of Paeacia. She questions Odysseus when she notices his clothes look similar to the ones of her household.

Princess Nausicaa

The daughter of Alcinous and Arete, princess of Phaeacians. Previously, Princess Nausicaa aided Odysseus and gave him clothing when they woke him near the shores of the city. At the beginning of Book 7, Princess Nausicaa returns to her palace with her maids. At the gates of the palace, she is met by her brothers and they help her out with the mule team.

Ancient Worldview

Treatment of Stranger Guests

When Odysseus begs for the Queen's mercy, the people of the palace begin to help their guest at once. They got him a seat, food to eat, and wine to drink. They entertain him and welcome him without questioning. Alcinous even goes as far enough to help Odysseus back home by giving him a ship and crew to guide him to his land. People of modern day do not welcome strangers into their plentiful homes as easy as Odysseus has it in Book 7. Through the entire epic people mercifully welcome strangers into their homes and offer them their best meals, best wines, and do everything possible to comfort the guest. In contrast, it seems appropriate to point out in this specific book the queen does begin to question Odysseus after she realizes the clothes he wears come from her own household. When he explains he got them from Princess Nausicaa when she found him on the outskirts of the land with her maids, the king questions why the princess would not escort him through the city into the palace and Odysseus tells him it was his idea to walk in alone.

Religious Beliefs and the Treatment of Gods

The religious beliefs of ancient Greek culture were very strict and well-defined. Many Greeks believed that the world was watched over by the Gods, and they would preform certain tasks to be in favor with the Gods. For example, in Book 7, after Odysseus goes into the palace and asks for help, King Alcinous first demands that Odysseus is given food and wine, so that "[they could] make libations to Zeus the Thunderlord, who loves the needy." Making gestures to the Gods seems very important to certain people in the book, like Alcinous. The Greeks believed someone who does not work for the acceptance of the Gods might be punished or have bad luck, like Odysseus. Throughout his trip, Odysseus does not seem extremely interested in pleasing the Gods, which could be one of the reasons why he is an exile for so many years.

Exile

Odysseus himself discusses about being an exile from his homeland for years. He explains that the Gods keep him an exile. This shows they believed the Gods had the power to control mortal fate, punish mortals, and hold them exile from their home. It is also interesting to look at this through the view in the modern world, exile is not something practiced; however, there are similar practices for when citizens cannot follow the laws, such as, imprisonment or deportment. Throughout the book, the reader learns about Odysseus's everlasting venture home. Making it back to his native land was Odysseus's main goal of the majority of his life. Being home meant he could finally relax and relieve himself of all the hardships he'd faced on his way back from Troy. To Odysseus, home was the ultimate key to happiness and peace. Multiple times, Odysseus mentions he will not die until he makes it home so that he can die happy and with peace in his homeland. This being said, home is the most important thing to Odysseus and without home there would be no reason for him to go, there would be no story.