The Odyssey Summary:Book 13

Odysseus, still recounting his tale to King Alkinoos and the Phaiakian court, finally reaches the end. Alkinoos, moved by Odysseus’ plight, provides him with a ship to return him home. After much feasting and many offerings, the Phaiakians bestow great gifts of treasure upon Odysseus, who bids them an eloquent farewell and boards ship for home. At sea, he falls into a deep sleep, and is delivered onto the shores of Ithaca still sleeping. Poseidon, Odysseus’ tormentor, petitions Zeus for consent to take reprisal for this betrayal by the Phaiakaans, who, witnessing their returning ship changed into stone quickly decree no more castaways.

Odysseus awakens on Ithaka’s shore and despairs because he does not recognize it and fears he has been betrayed by the Phaiakians. That his treasure is piled beside him intact seems to bring little comfort. Athena appears to him in the shape of a shepherd. They exchange false stories under this artifice; Odysseus manufacturing a new persona and background, thus displaying his cunning. Athena then assumes a female shape and declares them two of a kind. They stash the treasure and plot Odysseus’ return.

Athena tells Odysseus of the interloping suitors and of the state of his household. They plot revenge. Odysseus is transformed into the appearance of an old wretch by Athena and directed to seek out his still faithful swineherd for information. Athena goes to retrieve Telémakhos from at sea.

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The Odyssey Summary > Book 13