The Odyssey - Book 13 - Ithaca at Last

• Poseidon's revenge on the Phaeacians

• Because the Phaeacians escort many people across the sea so the people can travel safely, Poseidon is angry and feels dishonored. So he turns the Phaeacians' returning ship to stone (177). The second part of Poseidon's prophecy — that he bury the Phaeacians under a mountain is never shown here. Their fate is left indeterminate (lines 200-212). Although our modern sense of justice is offended by Poseidon's retribution upon the Phaeacians, these Phaeacians are strange creatures. They have created a utopian society apart from all; they never experience trouble at sea, and at the end of their story here, they withdraw from the world altogether, ceasing their escort service forever. They sever all connections with the world. Reflect on how their lives contrast with Odysseus's. [Discuss Ody Bk13 Q01]

• Odysseus is home, but he faces now the second half of his challenges — reestablishing himself again at home.

• Athena appears to him in the guise of a prince. Watch carefully the way the goddess Athena and Odysseus interact. When Athena, disguised as the prince, reveals to Odysseus that he has landed in his home of Ithaca, Odysseus similarly pretends to be someone else (290-325). In a remarkable revelation scene, she tells him who she is (329-354). Carefully follow her response to him on lines 375-400 and pay attention to how they now join, almost as equals, in the tasks she knows he now must do. Why, when he finds out that he is home, doesn't he just run home to Penelope and shout, "Honey, I'm home!" Why does he now know he must embark on a new set of experiences? Why is it fitting he plans to do what he is now going to do? And why is it right that Athena will be his new companion? [Discuss Ody Bk13 Q02]