Odysseus Wept

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Odysseus did as Nausikaa told him, impressing the king and queen with his noble bearing. Following local custom, King Alcinous entertained his guest with a magnificent feast. There was a display of sports and dancing, and then the blind bard Demodocus stepped forward to entertain the diners with songs of the Trojan War. When the bard recounted Odysseus’ own adventures, the hero wept.

Still not suspecting his true identity, Alcinous asked Odysseus who he was. In a long moving speech, Odysseus told the guests of his adventures since he had left Troy. Although the world marveled at his exploits, he claimed to be a wretched man who only wished to return to Ithaca. When Odysseus finished his tale, there was silence throughout the hall. Finally Alcinous spoke up, promising to send the hero home.