BOOK 6 – ODYSSEUS AND NAUSICAA
Summary
The King of the Phaeacians is Alcinous and he has a beautiful daughter
called Nausicaa.
Athena appears to her in a dream and encourages her to go down to the river
in order to wash the family clothing. This will give a sign to the eligible young men that she is a potential capable wife.
In the morning she goes to the river with her attendants and she discovers
Odysseus naked and dirty, hiding in the bushes.
Nausicaa’s attendants run in terror at the sight of this hairy man, but the
Princess, showing courage, stands her ground.
She immediately realizes from Odysseus’ cultured speech that he is of noble
birth, and she provides him with assistance. After he has bathed himself in the river, she provides him with some fresh clothing and they return to the palace.
Nausicaa is immediately impressed by Odysseus and considers that he would
make a suitable husband.
Before reaching the palace, she leaves Odysseus as it would not be protocol
for her to return with a stranger, but she provides him with instructions of how to find the palace.
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