Mythology of the Iliad and the Odyssey by Karen Bornemann Spies Page B

husband, no matter what he did. She operated a complex household with skill, despite the threat that came from the presence of the suitors. Penelope also demonstrated intelligence, for in this tale, she tested Odysseus before she would acknowledge him as her husband returned home from the war.
    The Greek concept of xenia also played an important part in this myth, as it has in the stories of the judgment of Paris, the Cyclops, and Circe. A stranger was always welcomed by the host. Serving girls anointed, or rubbed, the guest’s body with olive oil and provided him with fresh clothing. Then, the guest would tell of his family and his journey. Above all, a guest was never to harm his host. A host, in turn, was always to act honorably to his guest. The Phaeacians offered hospitality to Odysseus. Then, the Phaeacians set sail to return home to Scheria. Unfortunately, Poseidon was so furious with them for helping Odysseus that he turned the ship and crew into stone as they approached their own harbor. As a result, the Phaeacians never again offered hospitality to strangers.

Home at Last
    More danger awaited Odysseus. Poseidon saw him as his raft neared the land of the Phaeacians, a kind people known for being skilled sailors. The god of the sea was furious that Zeus had helped his enemy, Odysseus. Poseidon sent down a huge storm that destroyed the tiny raft. However, the sea goddess Leucothea gave Odysseus her veil. She told him to wrap it around his waist to help keep him afloat and to swim with all his might. After two days and nights, Odysseus reached the shores of Scheria, home of the Phaeacians. He tossed the veil back into the sea and, exhausted, crawled under some bushes to sleep.
    The next day, the Princess Nausicaä found him when she went to wash clothes down by the shore. She brought him to her father, King Alcinoüs. The king was known for his hospitality to strangers. Alcinoüs gave Odysseus many precious guest gifts, such as cauldrons filled with silver and garments trimmed with gold. He also gave him a ship and some of his best sailors to take him back to Ithaca.
    Once on board ship, Odysseus fell so soundly asleep that the sailors did not want to disturb him. When they arrived at Ithaca, the Phaeacians left Odysseus asleep on the shore, surrounded by the gifts that King Alcinoüs had sent him.
    When Odysseus awakened, he did not recognize where he was because he had been away from Ithaca for twenty years. Athena, disguised as a herdsman, appeared to him and reassured him that he was finally home safely. She helped him hide the treasures in a cave. Then, she transformed the mighty warrior into an old beggar in tattered rags. She touched him with her wand and changed his skin into that of an old man. Then she said, “I will be with you when you confront the greedy suitors at your palace. But do not go immediately to the palace. First, visit Eumaeus, your faithful swineherd.” This herder of pigs lived in a hut out in the country. “Stay with him until you find out exactly what has happened at the palace while you have been gone. I will go and fetch your son, Telemachus, from Sparta.”
    Eumaeus did not recognize Odysseus, for his disguise was excellent. But the rules of xenia dictated that he must offer hospitality to a stranger. He offered his best food and drink to the beggar. Then Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, asked Eumaeus what the situation was like at the palace.
    “The suitors, more than one hundred in number, devour the wealth of Odysseus. They eat his animals and waste his wine with their riotous living,” complained Eumaeus. “Yet, Penelope remains true to her husband and waits anxiously for his return. But come, it is time for sleep. Please, as my guest, take the place of honor near the fire. I will sleep outside. That way, I can be sure that no harm will come to you.”
    Odysseus was honored that his servant had been so faithful and treated him as a honored guest. But Odysseus was not yet