books 5-8

Books 5-8

Athene begs Zeus to have mercy on Odysseus, so he sends messenger Hermes to Kalypso's islands with instructions to let Odysseus go and, adding insult to injury, to help him build a well built raft to escape. He then announced that Odysseus, after some hardships at sea, will reach the island of Scheria by himself, where the Phaiakians will befriend him and provide away home.
Hermes takes Zeus's message to Kalypso. Her island on which she lives, is very luxurious, she has everything she would every need. Odysseus has the seven-year itch and spends all his time roaming the shore and looking sorrowful out to sea. With help, Odysseus soon makes his way to Ithica, he has all the supplies he needs. He is doing fine until Poseidon sees that Odysseus is on the sea again, he sends a storm his way and he almost drowns.

Athena appears in a young princesses dream, telling her to go to the river and wash her clothes there, They wash the clothes and they start playing with a ball. They encounter Odysseus and find him naked, then they let him bathe and give him food and clothes to wear. The princess give Odysseus directions to the palace and she heads home. He then follows a young girl, who happens to be athena in disguise, to the palace and great the mother. Alcinoos vows to get Odysseus home. So he wates out side in the garden and prays to Ahtena.
Odysseus is disguised in a cold of sea mist so no one can see him wander the streets. He meets up with Athena who is dressed as child and asks the little girl for directions. The little girl leads Odysseus to the palace and tells him about the land and the ruling family. The Queen is Arete and the King is Alkinoos. Odysseus gets to the palace and hugs the Queens knees, the mist then disappears and everyone shocked. All the servants quickly try to serve him, treating him as though he was a god, but he continually reassures them that he's not. When Queen Arete asks why he is wearing her daughters clothes, Odysseus is at a loss of words. King Alkinoos offers Nausicaa's hand in marriage, but Odysseus says no.The King orders his men to get the ship ready to take Odysseus home. Later on they have a banquet and play games and exchange stories.

Mentioned  Characters:
Zeus
Odysseus
Alcinoos
Hermes
Arete
Athena
Princess Nausicaa
Calyspo
Ares
Aphrodite
Telemachos
Demodocos

Themes: Hospitality and loyalty