4 Odysseus Arrives at the Palace

CHAPTER 4 Odysseus Arrives at the Palace The princess returned to the palace with the laundry. She acted as if everything were normal, going up to her room without a word. Meanwhile, Odysseus waited in the trees outside town, just as the princess had instructed. Athena suddenly appeared by his side. Odysseus was happy to see the goddess who had helped him survive Poseidon's storm. She offered him some advice. "When you go in," she said, "do not be afraid. The more confident you act, the more likely you are to

be trusted." Odysseus thanked her and made his way to the king's palace. Outside, the palace garden was full of beautiful trees. Luscious pears, pomegranates, apples, figs, and olives hung from the branches. A stream ran through the garden, watering colorful beds of flowers. The palace walls were made of bronze, with a trim of royal-blue tiles. The golden doors were framed by silver. Odysseus was stunned at the beauty of this Phaeacian palace. All around the inner courtyard, people were working. Some servants were grinding rich, yellow grain. Others worked at looms, weaving tapestries and rugs. People carried things back and forth. All was lively and active. But when Odysseus arrived, everyone stopped their activity and watched. They were shocked as this stranger walked straight

up to the queen and kneeled before her. "O Queen," Odysseus exclaimed, "I understand you are the woman to talk to. I

humbly ask Your Majesty—please help me return to my own country. I have been at sea and away from my family for too long." The ruler, Queen Arete, welcomed him, as the Phaeacians were always kind to travelers. This stranger seemed brave and gentle. The queen had a good feeling about him. She introduced him to her husband, King Alcinous. They invited the stranger to join them for supper. Odysseus sat down at their grand table. A fine meal was set in front of them, and it smelled delicious. Odysseus realized it had been a long time since anyone had invited him to dine. They began to eat. The king and queen made polite conversation with their guest. At once, Queen Arete recognized the shirt and cloak Odysseus was wearing. It was her own design. She had sewn these clothes for

her sons. "Where did you get your clothes?" she asked. Instead of giving the short answer, Odysseus told her his whole story. He spoke about how he had been held captive by Calypso, then set free. How he had sailed from the island in a tiny raft, and braved the mighty anger of Poseidon. How he arrived at Phaeacia and how her kind daughter had helped him. The king and queen were amazed by his story. They agreed that this man had been on quite an adventure! After supper, the queen showed him to his guest room. Everyone in the palace went to bed. As Odysseus fell asleep, he thanked Athena for bringing him to this place. The next day, the king invited his trusted counselors to a meeting. He wanted to

discuss their guest. "Hear me, hear me," he said, standing before his loyal men. "This stranger needs our generosity and kindness." He placed his hand on Odysseus's shoulder. "The reputation of our people is that we are kind to travelers. Let us work together to build him a fine ship. Fifty of our finest young men shall volunteer to be his crew. We will escort him safely back home." Odysseus was thrilled to hear this. Everyone knew the Phaeacians were also masters of the sea. In fact, it was said their ships didn't even need captains or wheels. As if by magic, their boats knew where the captain wanted to go. These ships could sail safely even when the sea was covered in mist and clouds. They could go on even when others had to stop. On a Phaeacian boat, there was no danger. That is how it had always been.