Summary
Nausicaa was an ordinary princess, living on the Island of Phaecia somewhat peacefully. However, she was constantly being barraged with suitors, one hoping to take over the throne. However, Nausicaa only wishes to find true love, which does not come easily to an arranged marriage, a concept threatening her. One night, she is visited in a dream by the goddess Athene, who cryptically tells her to wash her clothes. Of course, she heeds the all-powerful advice, and proceeds to bring her servants with her to the river, and does just that. However, unexpectedly, Nausicaa discovers a hungry, bruised man in the bushes--who happens to be none other than the great king and war hero, Ulysses. She allows him to tell his story, of his crew on the high seas, and is fascinated, insisting that he be brought back to the castle. He is, where the hero meets Nausicaa's royal parents. Earlier that day, The king, Alcinus, consulted an oracle, to which the oracle said to avoid strangers, storytellers, and the like: That of which perfectly fit Ulysses's description. He tells his men this, and they begin plotting an "unfortunate accident" for the adventurer. However, every attempt at fatal sport ends up in their loss, for he ends up trouncing them in every event. Later, at the banquet, Nausicaa reveals her passion for singing. Her songs told of the great triumph over Troy, and of the mighty hero who returned triumphantly. To this point, Ulysses had remained anonymous, learning his lesson from Polyphemus not to reveal his identity. However, the songs of Nausicaa brought him to tears, at what point h could not resist but to reveal himself. Upon hearing his name, the entire kingdom rejoiced, as they adore him so. He is adorned with gold and jewels, as well as a ship to transport him to Ithaca.
Quotes to Think About
"Their marriages were arranged by their parents, and it all seemed to work out as well as any other way." -Page 129
This quote demonstrates how much times and cultures have changed since this story took place.
"The gods speak in riddles. You know that." Page 131
The gods are very intelligent and know exactly what they are doing. Anything they deal with they have dealt with before.
"She seized a leather ball from the cart and flung it to one of her maids." Page 132
It was this distraction that brought her attention to Ulysses, and essentially brought him home.
"My dear child, haven't you given them enough to gossip about?" Page 137
This suggests that what the girl does she does not go about quietly.
"If you harm him, you will bring down upon us the wrath of all the gods, not just one."
The gods pay special attention to the kings and reward them for good behavior and punish for bad.
This quote demonstrates how much times and cultures have changed since this story took place.
"The gods speak in riddles. You know that." Page 131
The gods are very intelligent and know exactly what they are doing. Anything they deal with they have dealt with before.
"She seized a leather ball from the cart and flung it to one of her maids." Page 132
It was this distraction that brought her attention to Ulysses, and essentially brought him home.
"My dear child, haven't you given them enough to gossip about?" Page 137
This suggests that what the girl does she does not go about quietly.
"If you harm him, you will bring down upon us the wrath of all the gods, not just one."
The gods pay special attention to the kings and reward them for good behavior and punish for bad.