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The Odyssey, Book 6 summary

Book 6 of 24 · 13 min to read the book

In Book 6, Minerva sends Nausicaa to wash clothes beside the sea, where she meets Ulysses and gives him clothing, food, and directions to her father's house. Her kindness opens a path toward help, but fear of gossip makes her require a separate approach, and she directs him to seek her mother's support.

What happens

  1. Minerva appears in Nausicaa's dream as her friend and urges her to take the household clothes to the washing pools.
  2. Nausicaa secures a wagon from her father, washes clothes with her maids, and plays ball beside the sea.
  3. The women's cries wake Ulysses; the maids flee his rough appearance, but Nausicaa stays and listens to his plea.
  4. Nausicaa orders food and clothing for Ulysses, and Minerva makes him handsome after he washes.
  5. To avoid gossip, Nausicaa tells Ulysses to wait outside town and then approach her mother for help returning home.
  6. At sunset, Ulysses reaches Minerva's grove and prays for a friendly reception; she hears him but remains hidden.

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In this book

UlyssesMinervaNausicaaTheme: Hospitality

What to notice

Nausicaa replaces her maids' fear with a duty to help. Her command brings Ulysses practical relief and access to the Phaeacian community.

Quick check

Whom does Nausicaa tell Ulysses to approach first inside her father's house?

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