HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XIII: ODYSSEUS LANDS IN ITHACA

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XIII: ODYSSEUS LANDS IN ITHACA 

Introduction:

Book XIII sees the beginning of the second half of "The Odyssey", when the focus falls upon the island of Ithaca, the native-land of Odysseus, to which he finally returns, when his Phaeacian escorts lay him on the sand while he is asleep (see l.119). When he awakes, Athene helps him place all the many gifts he has received from the Phaeacians in a cave, warns him about the danger he faces from the suitors, and then changes his appearance so he will not be recognised. Meanwhile the Phaeacians have been heavily punished by Poseidon for the help they have given Odysseus, but their involvement in the story ends abruptly in the middle of l. 187. One of the features of the book is how it illustrates the close relationship between Athene and Odysseus. While the former initially disguises herself as a shepherd, Odysseus himself pretends to be a fugitive from Crete, somewhat to Athene's amusement.  In the end, however, the truth comes out with regard to them both, and Athene sends Odysseus off to meet his swineherd, Eumaeus, albeit with his changed appearance.    

Ll. 1-46. Odysseus begs Alcinous to let him depart.

So he spoke, and they were all hushed in silence, and they were held in a spell-bound state throughout the shadowy hall. Then, Alcinous answered him once more, and said: "Since you have come to my high-roofed house standing on bronze, for that reason I do believe that you will not be driven back at all, and that you will return home again, even if you have suffered very much. And to each man of you, who is ever wont to drink the sparkling wine of the elders and to listen to the minstrel in my halls, I say this as a command. Clothing for our guest, and richly-wrought gold (ornaments), and all the other gifts which counsellors of the Phaeacians have brought here, lie in a well-polished chest; but come (now), let us give him, every man of us, a large tripod and a cauldron; and we, in turn, will gather (contributions) from the people and recover the cost; for hard (it is) for one (man) to offer a free gift."

So spoke Alcinous, and his speech was pleasing to them. They went, each to his own house, in order to take their rest, but, as soon as rosy-fingered early Dawn appeared, they hastened to the ship, and bore the bronze that delights the hearts of men. And the hallowed might of Alcinous went through the ship himself, and he carefully stored these (gifts) beneath the benches, so that they might not hamper any of the crew at their rowing, whenever they plied the oars. Then, they went to (the house of) Alcinous and prepared a feast.  

Then, the hallowed might of Alcinous sacrificed a bull for them to cloud-wrapped Zeus, the son of Cronos, who is lord of all. Then, when they had burnt the thigh-pieces, they gave a banquet, and they enjoyed the glorious feast; and the divine minstrel Demodocus, esteemed by the people, sang among them. But Odysseus constantly turned his head towards the blazing sun, being eager (for it) to set; for he was very keen to return home. And (it is) like when a man, for whom a pair of wine-dark oxen has drawn his compact plough through the fallow field all day long, yearns for his supper; and gladly for him does the light of the sun sink as his supper approaches, and his knees buckle as he goes; that the light of the sun has sunk (is) welcome to Odysseus. Then at once, he addressed the Phaeacians, and spoke these words, declaring (them) especially to Alcinous: "Lord Alcinous, renowned above all people, make your drink offerings (now) and send me safely on my way, and rejoice yourselves; for now (all) that my own dear heart has desired has been fulfilled: an escort and your welcome gifts; may the heavenly gods give their blessings on them for me; and, on my return home, may I find my peerless wife and those I love unscathed. And may you remain here (still) and gladden (the hearts of) your wedded wives and children; and may the gods grant you prosperity of every kind, and may no evil come upon your people."     

Ll. 47-92. The journey home. 

So he spoke, and they all applauded (his speech) and urged that their guest should be sent on his way, since he had spoken fittingly. And then the mighty Alcinous spoke to the herald: "Pontonous, when you have mixed (the water and wine in) the mixing-bowl, serve up the wine to everyone in the hall, so that we can offer a prayer to father Zeus and send our guest to his own native-land."

So he spoke, and Pontonous mixed the honey-sweet wine and served (it) to everyone, going to each in turn; and they made drink-offerings to the blessed gods, who hold broad heaven from the very spot where they sit. But godlike Odysseus got up and placed a two-handled cup in the hand of Arete (i.e. wife of Alcinous and Queen of the Phaeacians), and addressed her, speaking these winged words: "I bid (you) a thorough farewell, O queen, until old age and death, which are the lot of man, come (upon you). As for me, I go my way; but in this your house may you have joy of your children, and your people, and your king Alcinous."

So speaking, godlike Odysseus stepped over the threshold, and the mighty Alcinous sent a herald with him to lead (him) to his swift ship and the sea-shore; and Arete sent slave-women with him, one bearing a well-washed cloak and tunic, a second she sent to take care of his strong chest, then another bore bread and red wine. 

But, when they had come down to the ship and the sea, the illustrious (men who were) his escorts at once took these (things, including) the food and drink, and stowed (them) in the hollow ship; and for Odysseus they spread out a rug and a sheet on the deck at the stern of the hollow ship, in order that he might sleep without being awoken; then, he himself came on board and lay down in silence, and they sat down on the rowing-benches, each in order, and loosed the cable from the perforated stone. And, as soon as they leant back and churned up the sea with the blade (of their oars), then did (a sleep) deep, most delightful, and most akin to death fall upon him. And, as on the plain four stallions spring forward all together beneath the strokes of the lash, and, raising themselves up on high, they swiftly accomplish their course, so the stern of the (ship) rose up, and the great dark wave of the surrounding sea stormed in her wake. Then, with unfaltering speed, she forged ahead most firmly, and not even the circling falcon, the fastest (thing) that flies, could have kept pace (with her). So she sped on swiftly, and cut (her way) through the waves of the sea, bearing a man who was like unto the gods in counsel; (one) who in times past had suffered very many woes in his heart as he passed through the wars of man and the grievous waves, but now he slept peacefully, forgetting all (the things) he had endured.     

Ll. 93-138. The landing on Ithaca.  

When the brightest star that ever arose (i.e. the planet Venus) comes to herald the light of early Dawn, then did the seafaring ship draw near to the island (i.e. Ithaca). Now there is in the land of Ithaca a certain harbour named after Phorcys, the Old Man of the Sea; and (there are) two sheer headlands projecting into it, (but) sloping down towards the harbour, and they protect (it) from the heavy (swell of the) waves outside (it), (raised) by the stormy winds; but inside (it) the well-benched ships remain unmoored, when they reach the point of anchorage (i.e. the spot where ships are fastened by a cable to the shore). Now at the head of the harbour (there is) a long-leaved olive-tree, and near it a pleasant shadowy cave, sacred to the nymphs that are called Naiads. And inside (it) there are mixing-bowls and large stone jars; and there too the bees make their hives. And inside (the cave, there are) long looms made of stone, and here the nymphs weave webs of purple dye, a wonder to behold; and in (it too) there are ever-flowing (springs of) water. And it has two doors; the one (that looks) towards the North (is) the downward passage for men, but the one facing South is sacred; nor do men ever enter it, but it is the pathway of the immortals. 

Here they rowed in, knowing (the place) of old; then the (ship) came ashore, driven on by as much as a half of her whole (length); for so was she urged forward by the hands of her rowers. And, stepping ashore from their well-benched ship, they first lifted Odysseus out of the hollow ship, together with his linen sheet and his bright-coloured rug, and then laid (him) down on the sand, (still) overcome by sleep, and lifted out the goods which the Phaeacians had sent with (him) as he set out for home, through the agency of Athene. And so they placed these in a pile by the trunk of the olive-tree out of the way, lest some travelling men might perchance come upon (them) and damage (them) before Odysseus awoke. But the Earth-Shaker (i.e. Poseidon) had not forgotten the boastful threats which he had made against Odysseus, and he sought the counsel of Zeus: "Father Zeus, I shall no longer be held in honour among the immortal gods, when mortals do not honour me at all, even the Phaeacians, who are of my lineage after all. For now I have declared that Odysseus should suffer many evils before he should reach his home; but I have never robbed him entirely of his return home, when once you had promised (it) and confirmed (it) with your nod. Now these (men) have borne (him) asleep in a swift ship over the sea, and they have set (him) down in Ithaca, and have given him gifts beyond telling, bronze and gold in heaps, and woven raiment in great quantities, such as Odysseus could never have taken from Troy, if ever he had returned unscathed, having been allotted his due share of the spoil."   

Ll. 139-183. Poseidon punishes the Phaeacians. 

Then, Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, said to him in reply: "For shame, mighty Earth-Shaker, what a thing you have said! The gods do not dishonour you in any way; it would indeed be hard to assail with insults their eldest and their best. If any man, intoxicated by his strength and vigour, treats you without any respect, then punishment is always (open) to you thereafter. Do as you will, and (as) is pleasing to your spirit!"

And then Poseidon, the Earth-Shaker, answered him: "I would have done as you say right away, (O lord) of the dark clouds; but I have always dreaded your anger, and (sought to) avoid (it). But I am now minded to strike the Phaeacians' lovely ship in the misty deep as she returns from her convoy, so that she may now stop and cease from her conveying of men, and (I intend) to envelop their city with a great mountain (ring)."

Then, Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, said to him in reply: "O my dear (brother), (hear) what seems to my mind to be best, (which is that,) when all the people are looking out from the city (at the ship) as she sails past, turn her into a rock near the shore resembling a swift ship, so that all men may marvel, and envelop their city with a great mountain (ring)."

Now, when Poseidon, the Earth-Shaker, heard this, he went on his way to Scheria, where the Phaeacians live. There he waited; and the seafaring ship, as she was coursing swiftly along, came very near (to the shore); then, the Earth-Shaker came near to her, and he turned her to stone, and fixed (her) firmly in the ground beneath the sea, by hitting (her) with his upturned hand (i.e. with the flat of his hand); then he went away. But the Phaeacians of the long oars, men (who were) famed for their ships, spoke winged words to one another. And thus would one speak as he glanced at his neighbours: "Woe is me, who has fixed our swift ship in the sea as she was speeding homewards? and just now she was in full sight of (us) all."

So then would one of them speak; but they had no idea of what had happened. Then, Alcinous addressed them and said: "O yes, now in very truth are my father's oracles coming upon me, for he used to say that Poseidon was resentful of us because we were providing safe convoys to all (men). He said that sometime, as a lovely ship, (full) of Phaeacian men, was returning from a convoy over the misty deep, he would smite (it), and envelop our city in a great mountain (ring). Thus did the old man speak; and now indeed are all these (things) being brought to pass. But come (now), let us all do as I say: do you cease to escort mortals, when anyone comes to our city; and let us sacrifice twelve specially chosen bulls to Poseidon, (to see) if he may take pity (on us) and not envelop our city in a very tall mountain (ring)." 

Ll. 184-216. Odysseus awakes.

So he spoke, and they were gripped by fear, and got the bulls ready (for sacrifice). Thus, the leaders and counsellors of the land of the Phaeacians were praying to the lord Poseidon as they stood beside the altar. But the divine Odysseus awoke from his sleep on his native soil, but after so long an absence he did not know it; for the goddess Pallas Athene, the daughter of Zeus had shed a mist around (him) (i.e. she changed his appearance), so that she might render him unrecognizable, and tell him everything, so that his wife might not know him, nor his townspeople and his friends, until the suitors had paid the price for all their transgressions. As a result, all (things) seemed strange to their lord, both the continuous thoroughfares, and the welcoming harbours, the steep cliffs and the leafy trees. And he sprang up, and stood and stared at his native-land; and then he groaned, and slapped his thighs with the flat of his hands, and spoke these mournful words: "O woe is me, to the land of what mortals am I now come once more? Are they brutal, and wild, and unjust, or are they stranger-loving, and do they have god-fearing minds? Where shall I take (all) these goods (of mine)? Would that (these goods) had been due to stay with the Phaeacians! And (would that) I had come to another of those exceedingly mighty kings, who would have welcomed me kindly and sent (me) on my way. But now I know not where to put (them all), but I will not leave (them) here, lest perchance they should become the spoil of others at my (expense). For shame, the leaders and counsellors of the Phaeacians, who have brought me to another land, were not entirely wise and just, as I had thought they were, for they certainly said they would bring me to far-seen Ithaca, but they did not do (so). May Zeus, the suppliants' (god), requite them, he who watches over (all) other men, and punishes anyone that sins! But come, I had better count up (all) these goods and look over (them), for fear that they (i.e. the crew of the Phaeacian ship) have taken something from me, and have gone off (with it) in their hollow ship. 

Ll. 217-249. Athene appears disguised as a young shepherd, and converses with Odysseus.  

So speaking, he counted up the lovely tripods and cauldrons, and the gold and the fine woven garments; but of these, he found nothing missing; then he mourned for his native-land as he crept along the shore of the loud-roaring sea, letting out many moans. Then, Athene drew near to him, in the shape of a young man, a shepherd of sheep, (but) tender-looking, as are the sons of kings, and round her shoulders she wore a well-wrought cloak; and she had sandals under her glistening feet and a javelin in her hand. And Odysseus was glad when he saw her, and came to meet (her), and, when he spoke to her, he said these winged words: "O my friend, since you (are) the first (person) I have come across in this place, hail (to you), and do not meet me with any evil in your mind, but save these (things) and save me; for to you do I pray like to a god, and I am come (to cling) to those dear knees of yours. (And) tell me this truly also, so that I may know (it) well. What land, what country (is this), and what men live (here)? Perhaps this is some island that can clearly be seen, or some promontory of the rich-soiled mainland running down there into the sea?" 

Then, the goddess, the bright-eyed Athene, addressed him: "You must be a simpleton, O stranger, or you must have come from afar, if you are really asking (what) country this (is). Indeed, it is a place by no means unknown; very many (people) know it, both those who dwell in the direction of the dawn and the (rising) sun (i.e. towards the east), and those who dwell in the opposite direction, towards the gloomy darkness (i.e, towards the west). For sure, it is rugged and not fit for driving horses, but it is not utterly useless, although it has not been made (very) wide. For in it there is corn beyond measure, and in (it there is) wine as well; and rain and fresh dew abound; and (it is) good for feeding goats and grazing cattle; there is timber of every kind, and in (it) there are ample pools for watering. So, in truth, stranger, the name of Ithaca even reaches (the land of) Troy, which is, they say, a long way indeed from the land of Achaea." 

Ll. 250-286. Odysseus gives a fictitious account of how he has arrived on the island of Ithaca.

So she spoke, and the much-enduring godlike Odysseus was glad, rejoicing in his native-land, as Pallas Athene, the daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, told him (of it); and he spoke and addressed her with winged words; but he did not speak the truth, but he took back his words, ever revolving thoughts of great cunning in his breast: "I heard of Ithaca, even in broad Crete far away over the sea; and now have I come (here) too myself with these goods; but I have still left as much with my children, as I am in exile, since I slew the beloved son of Idomeneus, Orsilochus, swift of foot, who surpassed (all) the bread-eating men in broad Crete in swiftness of foot, and he would have robbed me of all that Trojan booty, for the sake of which I suffered heartaches, as I passed through the wars of men and the troublesome waves. because I would not court favour with his father, and serve as his squire in the land of the Trojans, but I was in charge of other companions (of my own). So I smote him with my bronze-tipped spear as he was coming home from the fields, while I lay in wait (for him) with one of my men by the side of the road; a very dark night encompassed the heavens, and no man saw us at all, and I took away his life unseen. Now, when I had slain him with my sharp bronze (weapon), I went straightaway to a ship, and I besought the lordly Phoenicians, and gave them desirable booty; I bade them put (me) on board and take me to Pylos, or to goodly Elis, where the Epeians rule. But, in truth, the force of the wind thrust (them) away from that place quite off course, nor did they wish to deceive me. But, driven from there, we came here at night, and we rowed on with some difficulty into the harbour, nor did we have any thought of supper, though we had great need (of it), but we all went forth from the ship, and lay down just as we were. Then, sweet sleep came upon me, weary (as I was), and they took my goods out of the hollow ship, and put (them) down on the sands just (in the place) where I myself was lying. Then, they embarked and set sail for the well-populated (land of) Sidon; but I was left (here) troubled at heart."  

Ll. 287-328. Athene reveals herself to Odysseus, and they continue to exchange words.

So he spoke, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene smiled and caressed him with her hand; in form she looked like a woman, comely and tall, and accomplished in glorious handiwork; and she spoke, and addressed him with winged words: "Crafty and devious must he be, who could surpass you in every kind of trickery, even if a god should come to meet (you). Obstinate, full of wiles, irrepressible intriguer (that you are), you are not prepared, even when you are in your own land, to drop the tricks and artful tales, which are (so) fundamentally dear to you. But come, let us talk of this no longer, as we are both well versed in wily tricks, since you are by far the best of all mortal (men) in counsel and in speech, and I am famous among all the gods for my wisdom  and artful crafts; but you did not recognise Pallas Athene, daughter of Zeus, who always stands at your side amid all your toils and guards (you), and (it was) I (who) also made you (so) dear to all the Phaeacians, and now I have come here, in order that I may devise a plan with you, and hide (all) the goods which the lordly Phaeacians sent with you, on my advice and at my will, when you set out for home, and to tell you of all the sorrows fate will dispense in your well-built house; for, of necessity, you must endure all these (things), and tell no man or woman that you have come back from your wanderings, but you must suffer your many woes in silence, and put up with the violence of men."   

Then, Odysseus, that man of many wiles, spoke to her in reply: "(It is) hard for a mortal (man) to know you, goddess, when he meets (you), even if he is very wise; for you make yourself into every (shape). But this I know well, that in the past you were very kind to me, so long as the sons of the Achaeans were fighting it out in (the land of) Troy. But, after we had sacked the lofty city of Priam, and had gone away in our ships, and a god had scattered the Achaeans, since then I have not seen you, (O) daughter of Zeus, nor have I noticed (you) coming aboard my ship, in order to ward off some of my pain. But on I roamed, ever bearing my stricken heart in my breast, till the gods delivered me from this evil; (this was the situation) until (the day came) when you cheered (me) with your words in the rich land of the men of Phaeacia, and you yourself led (me) to their city. But now I beseech you by your father - for I do not think that I have come to Ithaca, clearly to be seen (as it is), but that I am roaming around some other land; and you, I think are saying these (things) in mockery, in order to deceive my mind - tell me if I am really come to my dear native-land."

Ll. 329-365. Athene reveals the island of Ithaca to Odysseus, who is overjoyed at the sight of it.

And then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: "The though in your breast is always of such a kind; therefore, I cannot abandon you while you are in this wretched state; for you are charming, and sharp-witted, and shrewd. For any other man, returning from his travels, would gladly have gone to see his children and his wife in his halls; but, in your case, it is not yet your (practice) to learn (something) or receive a report (about it), until you have also observed your wife for yourself, (she) who sits in your halls as before, and, in her ever sorrowful state, sheds tears, as the nights and days go by. Yet this I never doubted, but in my heart I knew that you would return, though having lost all your comrades, but you must know I was not inclined to pick a fight with my father's brother Poseidon, who stored up a grudge against you in his heart, angry as he was that you had totally blinded his own dear son (i.e. Polyphemus). But come, I shall show you the abode of Ithaca, so that you may be persuaded. This is the harbour of Phorcys, the Old Man of the Sea, and there at the head of the harbour (is) the long-leafed olive-tree; and near it (is) the pleasant shadowy cave, sacred to the nymphs that are called Naiads. And this, let me tell you, is the vaulted cavern, where you used to offer many perfect hecatombs to the nymphs; and yonder is Mount Neriton, covered over by woodland." 

As she spoke, the goddess dispersed the mist, and the countryside came into view; then did the much-enduring godlike Odysseus rejoice, overjoyed (as he was) at (the sight of) his land, and he kissed the fruitful soil. And at once he prayed to the nymphs, as he held up his hands: "(O) Naiad nymphs, daughters of Zeus, I never thought I should see you again; but now accept my greetings with these loving prayers; and we will give (you) gifts as well, just as in former times, if the daughter of Zeus, (she who) drives off the spoil, should kindly allow me to live myself, and my dear son to grow in strength." 

Then, the bright-eyed goddess Athene addressed him once more: "Take courage, and do not therefore let these (matters) cause your heart anxiety. But let us now at once place these goods in a corner of this wondrous cavern, so that there they may be kept quite safe for you; and may we ourselves consider how (all things) may be for the best by far." 

Ll. 366-415. Athene promises her help to Odysseus. 

So saying, the goddess plunged into the shadowy cave, and looked for hiding-places throughout the cave; and Odysseus brought everything inside, the gold, and the hard-wearing bronze, and the well-wrought garments, which the Phaeacians had given (her). These (things) he carefully stored away, and Pallas Athene, the daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, placed a stone by the entrance. 

Then, the two of them sat down by the trunk of the sacred olive-tree, and devised death for the insolent suitors. Now, the bright-eyed goddess Athene was the first of them to speak: "(O) ever-resourceful Odysseus, son of Laertes sprung from Zeus. consider how you will lay your hands on those shameless suitors, who for three years now are lording it in your palace, wooing your godlike wife, and giving (her) bridal gifts; and she, ever pining in her heart for your home-coming, gives all (of them) cause to hope, and gives promises to each man in the messages she sends them, but her mind desires different (things)."

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, spoke to her in reply: "For shame, now in very truth I would most likely have perished in my halls (by) the (same) evil fate (as) Agamemnon, son of Atreus, if you, goddess, had not told me everything in accordance with the truth. But come, weave some plan, in order that I may take my revenge upon them; and do you, yourself, stand by my side and endue (me) with dauntless courage, such as when we loosed Troy's bright diadem (of towers) (i.e. its battlements). If you would stand by my side, (O) bright-eyed (one), as eagerly (as you did then), I would even fight three hundred men together with you, revered goddess, when you readily come to my aid."

Then, the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: "I will, indeed, stand by you, nor will you escape my notice, when we shall be engaged on these (tasks); and I think (I see) one of the suitors, who are devouring your substance, bespattering this vast earth of ours with his blood and brains. But come, I will make you unrecognisable to all mortals: I shall shrivel the fair skin on your supple limbs, and I shall remove the auburn hair from your head, and I shall dim your two eyes, (which) before were so beautiful, so that you may appear unseemly to all the suitors, and to your wife and son, whom you left in your halls. And, as to yourself, do you go in the first place to the swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus), (he) who is the guardian of your pigs, just as he keeps a kindly heart in your case, and loves your son and the shrewd Penelope. You will find him abiding with your pigs; and they are feeding beside the Rock of Corax (i.e. the Raven's Crag) and by the Fountain of Arethusa, eating acorns to their hearts' content, and drinking the black water, things (which are causing) the greasy flesh of the swine to grow fat. Stay there at his side and question (him) about everything, while I go to Sparta, (the land) of fair women, to summon Telemachus, your own dear son, Odysseus, who went to spacious Lacedaemon to (meet) Menelaus, in order to acquire tidings of you, if perchance you are still alive."   

Ll. 416-440. Athene alters Odysseus' appearance. 

Then, Odysseus, that man of many wiles, spoke to her in reply: "Why then did you not tell him, aware of all (things) in your mind (as you are)? Was it so that he too might suffer woes as he wanders over the barren sea, while those others are devouring his substance?" 

Then, the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: "Do not let him be a great weight upon your mind. I myself escorted him, so that he might gain a good report from going there; and he does not have any work (to do), but he sits at his ease in the house of the son of Atreus (i.e. Menelaus), and (good fare) beyond telling lies before (him). It is true that young men with their black ship lie in wait for him. longing to slay (him), before he reaches his native-land; but I do not think this (will happen), before earth will encompass some of those suitors, who are devouring your substance."

So saying, Athene touched him with a wand. She shrivelled the fair flesh on his supple limbs, and removed the auburn hair from his head, and about all his limbs she put the skin of an aged old man, and she dimmed his two eyes, (which) before were so beautiful; and she cast a dirty cloak, other (than his own), around him, and a tunic, (which was) ragged and filthy, (and) soiled by foul smoke; and around him she put the great skin of a hind, bare (of wool); and she gave him a staff and a wretched leather pouch full of holes; and it hung on a twisted shoulder-strap. 

When the two of them had made their plans, they parted. And then she went to sacred Lacedaemon in quest of Odysseus' son.