He slept for most of the journey from Phaeacia and is unable to recognize Ithaca when he awakes. Now in Ithaca, Odysseus needs protection. Homer leaves the Phaeacians' fate to our imaginations. Unfortunately, we never find out what happens. This interpretation seems more consistent with the rest of the epic and with the reputation of Zeus. He pointed out that a slight alteration in the Greek (changing three letters) has Zeus telling Poseidon to turn the ship to stone but not to close the harbor. The other hope for the Phaeacians is textual and was first advocated by the ancient editor Aristophanes of Byzantium. Alcinous quickly promises to stop the trips home for castaways and calls for the sacrifice of a dozen of the finest bulls in hopes of appeasing Poseidon. As soon as Poseidon turns the ship to stone, the Phaeacians do decide to appease him before he closes their port forever. When Alcinous first told of the prophecy, he mentioned that the sea god could follow through with the vengeance or leave it undone, "whatever warms his heart" (8.641). The first is that Poseidon can always change his mind. There are two possible loopholes for the Phaeacians. Adding a touch of sculpture to the plan, Zeus suggests turning the ship to stone within sight of shore and then building the mountain around the harbor. Then he'll "pile a huge mountain" (13.173) around the Phaeacian port, ostensibly ending the sailing days of these peaceful, seafaring folk. 44), "If there is one stable moral criterion in the world of The Odyssey, it is the care taken by the powerful and well-to-do of strangers, wanderers and beggars." Zeus turns his back on this ideal code of conduct.Įchoing the prophecy of Alcinous' father, which the son, now King of Phaeacia, mentioned (8.631-641) just before Odysseus began the story of his wanderings, Poseidon vows to crush the ship that carries Odysseus home, sinking it (and all the men aboard) before the vessel can dock safely. As the introduction to Fagles and Knox puts it (p. The situation is further complicated because Zeus is the protector of wayfaring strangers and suppliants. The overriding conflict here is that Poseidon wants to punish the Phaeacians for granting safe passage to wayfaring strangers, a custom that is an exceptional virtue in Homer's world. Poseidon (13.142-157) complains to Zeus that he is disrespected by the mortals and will lose face with other gods because the Phaeacians have returned Odysseus safely to his homeland. One of the controversies in this section of the tale is that the Phaeacians, who are models of hospitality, apparently are to be punished by the gods for their kindness and generosity. These books serve to return Odysseus, at last, to Ithaca in addition, they further consider two of the most important themes in the epic: hospitality and loyalty. The pace slows as the story returns from the fantastic world of the wanderings. He meets his loyal swineherd, Eumaeus, and is pleased with the man's hospitality as well as his devotion to his master, whom he does not recognize. The gods agree on Poseidon's vengeance against the Phaeacians.Īthena meets Odysseus on Ithaca and disguises him as an old beggar so that he can gain information without being recognized. This annoys Poseidon who complains to Zeus. Consistent with their custom, the Phaeacians provide the wanderer safe passage home. Odysseus will arrive in Ithaca with treasure surpassing his fair share from Troy, which has long since been lost. They are silent for a few seconds until Alcinous speaks to assure Odysseus that he will be returned safely to his home and to insist on even more gifts for the guest. Odysseus' account of his wanderings is complete.
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