Books 5–8 of Odyssey (Phaeacians)

Main thing

Books 5-8 of Homer's Odyssey tell the story of Odysseus' time with the Phaeacians after he escapes from Calypso's island, highlighting the themes of xenia (guest-friendship), fidelity, and Odysseus' symbolic rebirth. ⠀
Odysseus is held captive by Calypso for seven years before the gods order his release. Poseidon wrecks his raft, but Odysseus washes ashore on Scheria. Athena leads him to the palace of King Alcinous and Queen Arete, who welcome him with great hospitality, demonstrating proper xenia. At a feast, the bard Demodocus sings of the adultery of Ares and Aphrodite, making Odysseus reflect on Penelope's fidelity. Odysseus' arrival in Scheria naked and alone represents a symbolic rebirth and chance at a new start.

Example: Odysseus' experience with the Phaeacians is similar to a traveler being taken in and cared for by kind strangers in a foreign land.

Terms

• Xenia - the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, which was considered a sacred obligation. It involved hosting guests, providing them with food, drink, and gifts, and ensuring their safety. Example: The Phaeacians demonstrate proper xenia by warmly welcoming Odysseus into their kingdom.

• Scheria - the mythical island of the Phaeacians, where Odysseus finds refuge after his shipwreck. Example: Odysseus washes ashore on Scheria after Poseidon wrecks his raft.

• Phaeacians - a mythical people known for their seafaring skills, hospitality, and love of sports. They are descendants of Poseidon and live on the island of Scheria. Example: The Phaeacians provide Odysseus with a ship and provisions to help him return home to Ithaca.

• Calypso - a nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island, Ogygia, for seven years. She offers him immortality and eternal youth in exchange for his love. Example: Calypso is forced to release Odysseus when Hermes delivers a message from Zeus ordering her to do so.

An analogy

Odysseus' experience with the Phaeacians is like a lost traveler finding a welcoming oasis in the middle of a desert. Just as the oasis provides the traveler with shelter, food, and water, the Phaeacians offer Odysseus a safe haven, nourishment, and the means to continue his journey home.

Example: A backpacker gets lost in a foreign country but is taken in by a kind local family who provides them with food, lodging, and directions to their destination.

A main misconception

Many people might think that the Phaeacians' hospitality towards Odysseus is a given, but in reality, not all of them are welcoming. Some of the townspeople disdain Odysseus, showing that hospitality is not always universal.

Example: In Book 8 of the Odyssey, a Phaeacian youth named Euryalus insults Odysseus, claiming that he is not an athlete but rather a merchant focused on greed, demonstrating that not all Phaeacians are welcoming to the stranger.

The history

1. 8th century BCE: Homer composes the Odyssey, which includes the Phaeacian episode. ⠀

2. 6th-5th century BCE: The concept of xenia is widely practiced and revered in ancient Greece. ⠀

3. 4th century BCE: The Greek philosopher Aristotle discusses the importance of xenia in his works. ⠀

4. 1st-2nd century CE: The Greek geographer Strabo attempts to identify the real-life location of Scheria. ⠀

5. 20th-21st century CE: Scholars continue to study the themes of xenia and hospitality in the Odyssey.

"The Odyssey is not a lesson but a return." - Eudora Welty, American short story writer and novelist, known for her works set in the American South.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. When traveling to a foreign country, embrace the local customs and hospitality, just as Odysseus did with the Phaeacians. Be open to new experiences and show gratitude to your hosts.

2. In your own life, practice the spirit of xenia by being a welcoming host to guests in your home. Offer them food, drink, and a comfortable place to stay, and ensure their well-being during their visit.

3. When faced with challenges or setbacks, remember that sometimes a fresh start in a new environment, like Odysseus' symbolic rebirth in Scheria, can provide the opportunity to regroup and continue towards your goals.

Interesting facts

• The Phaeacians are known for their seafaring skills and their swift, magical ships that can navigate without pilots. ⠀

• Some scholars believe that Scheria might represent the island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea. ⠀

• The Phaeacians are descendants of Poseidon, which is why the god is angry when they help Odysseus. ⠀

• King Alcinous' palace is described as having gold and silver dogs guarding the entrance. ⠀

• The Phaeacians are also known for their love of sports, particularly gymnastics and dancing.