The Odyssey by Homer | Books 6-7 Summary and Analysis

Summary

In the narrative, Athena devises a plan to introduce Odysseus to her father, King Alcinous. She lures Nausicaa and her maidens to the beach where Odysseus is found, naked save for some leaves. Nausicaa, impressed by his plight, agrees to help. With Athena's aid, Odysseus meets Queen Arete, who, along with King Alcinous, offers him assistance. The story from books 6 and 7 highlights themes of devotion, hospitality, and the characters' use of deception to mask their true intentions while seeking help.

Takeaways

• 🏺 Athena devises a plan to introduce Odysseus to her father, King Aeolus.
• 🏝️ Athena lures Nausicaa and her maidens to the beach where Odysseus is sleeping.
• 🍃 When discovered, Odysseus is naked except for some leaves, causing the maidens to scatter.
• 👸 Nausicaa, unlike the others, stays and agrees to help Odysseus after he pleads for assistance.
• 🌫️ Athena provides Odysseus with an obscuring mist to aid in his mission.
• 👑 Odysseus sneaks into the palace and begs for help from Queen Arete, who is initially suspicious.
• 🤝 King Aeolus is impressed by Odysseus's honor and respect towards his daughter, Nausicaa.
• 🚢 Despite not knowing Odysseus's identity, King Aeolus agrees to provide him with a ship.
• 🎎 There is no requirement for a wedding in this part of the story, unlike some other episodes.
• 🎭 The themes of devotion, hospitality, deception, and hidden motives are prevalent in books 6 and 7.

Q & A

Who is Athena scheming to introduce Odysseus to?

Athena is scheming to introduce Odysseus to her father, King Alcinous.

How does Athena lure Nausicaa and her maidens to the beach where Odysseus is sleeping?

Athena lures Nausicaa and her maidens to the beach by making them curious about Odysseus, who is sleeping there naked except for a few choice leaves.

Why do all the maidens scatter except for Nausicaa when they see Odysseus?

All the maidens scatter because they are surprised and possibly embarrassed by seeing Odysseus in a state of undress, except for Nausicaa who agrees to help him.

What does Nausicaa agree to do for Odysseus?

Nausicaa agrees to help Odysseus by providing him with hospitality and assisting him in meeting her mother, Queen Arete.

How does Athena assist Odysseus when he calls on her again?

Athena assists Odysseus by cloaking him in an obscuring mist, which allows him to sneak into the palace and meet Queen Arete.

What does Odysseus do when he sneaks into the palace?

Odysseus throws himself at Queen Arete's feet, begging for her help.

How does King Alcinous react to Odysseus's story about meeting Nausicaa?

King Alcinous is very impressed with Odysseus's honor and respect towards his daughter Nausicaa and wishes that Odysseus had been his son-in-law.

What does Queen Arete initially feel towards Odysseus?

Queen Arete is a little more suspicious of Odysseus than King Alcinous, questioning his true motives.

What does King Alcinous agree to provide Odysseus without requiring a wedding?

King Alcinous agrees to provide Odysseus with a ship to help him on his journey.

What themes are highlighted in books 6 and 7 of the story?

The themes of devotion, hospitality, deception, and keeping true motives hidden while asking for help from others are highlighted in books 6 and 7.