The Odyssey Book Seven
Book Seven Concealed by mist, which is sent by Athene, and later on accompanied by a disguised Athene (who comes to him as a young girl carrying a jug) Odysseus is led to the palace. Odysseus asks the girl (Athene) for directions, she leads him into the town. He is also told not to look or talk to anyone because the Phaeacians are a suspicious race of people, who do not like strangers suddenly appearing among them. The young girl (Athene) brings him to the palace and tells him to go straight away to Queen Arete. As Odysseus enters, we get a detailed description of the splendid palace: bronze walls, golden statues, silver and gold doors, a depiction of fifty maids, enclosed courtyards, orchards, fruitful vineyards, garden springs etc.
Book Seven Odysseus shrouded by mist goes up to Queen Arete and clasping her knees, makes a supplication to her. The mist clears away. Silence descends on the room and after begging for mercy, Odysseus sits down by the fire. Odysseus is invited to dine with the assembly and he refreshes himself with the food and wine they have to offer. King Alcinous tells his captains to retire for the night. He orders them to gather in the morning for sacrifices to the gods. After that a welcoming feast will be celebrated in honour of the guest and preparations will be made to get him home safely.
Book Seven Towards the end of the night he is left alone with the king and queen. He tells them how he ended up on the island of Ogygia with Calypso, how she liberated him by giving him a raft and sending him away by sea; how Poseidon raised a storm against him and how after nineteen days he ended up swimming to their shores. He tells them how he came to possess the clothes he is wearing, (which the queen recognises). Odysseus tells them of his encounter with Nausciaa and how she helped him.
Book Seven Alcinous asks Odysseus why his daughter did not bring him directly to the palace but Odysseus tells him not to reprimand his daughter for that. He says it was his idea to come alone to the palace. Alcinous tells him that ships will be arranged to bring him back home. Finally, Odysseus is given a bed and all retire for the night.
Book Seven: Important Points Note: Odysseus is still disguised as a beggar. Athene continues to help him. Note how Odysseus is awe-struck by the splendour of the palace; this is described in detail in book 7. Perhaps, this reminds him of the world he once lived in, and conjures up memories of a way of life that he has not seen in twenty years. (i.e. Ithaca)
Book Seven: Important Points Note the Phaeacians: they are not warlike; they worship Poseidon and are hospitable towards strangers. In the palace the treatment Odysseus receives is first class. Note that Odysseus is courteous and intelligent. He handles all the questions very cleverly, without giving offence or revealing his true identity. He also handles the question about the clothes Nausicaa gave him very well.
Book Seven Reading Read the following passages: