Following book 5 and Odyessus’s battle against the gods and the sea, he washes up on the island of Scheria. He’s beaten down and helpless, with no idea where he is.  Athena once again intervenes in his journey home and visits the people of Scheria. In disguise, she convinces the princess, Naussica to journey to the washing pools where Odysseus has fought his way onto shore. Unknowing of his presence, the girl and her slaves wash laundry, eat, and bathe.  Odysseus wakes to the girls playing and approaches Naussica, begging for help to get back to his home. “Show me the town, give me some rags to wear, if you brought any clothes when you came here.” (Wilson 202)  His use of the word rags shows he would be grateful for anything Nausicca was willing to share. She isn’t afraid of Odysseus, despite his tattered appearance and the fact that he is a stranger to the girl. The island is protected and not just anyone washes up on its shores. She vows to help him and allows him to bathe which reveals that he is a beautiful man worthy of the gods. They devise a plan for Odysseus to enter the town using a different route than the princess. With his natural charm and brains he will beg the king and queen for a safe return to Ithica. He begs Athena for help in her shrine on the island and the book cuts off, in suspense before he enters the palace.  

Naussica is a perfect example of how hospitality is a crucial part of Odysseus’s journey.  “We must look after him. All foreigners and beggars come from Zeus and any act of kindness is a blessing.” (Wilson 203) She feels that her acts of hospitality will please the gods and in return, she will be given good fortune. She hopes for a kind husband to please her parents and her town. She fears being seen with Odysseus as they might think she begged the gods for a man, not of her people. Odysseus, who has been trapped on Calypsos island for ages, is used to feeling helpless and for the first time in a long time, he has a kind host. Odysseus’s encounter with Naucissa continues to show the audience a humble side of Odysseus compared to the cunning tricker side we see so many other times.  We also can see in this book how far Athena is willing to go to protect and help Odysseus on his journey.  She knows Posideon is against his safe return but despite that, she continuously makes sure everything works towards his success. 

    While describing Odysseus and Naucissa’s interactions, Wilson uses power dynamics which we see repeated throughout the book.  The host has the power while the stranger is being allowed in and given great hospitality.  We see hospitality driven by fear and respect for the gods. She trusts in Odysseus instantly and because of this kindness, he can continue to have hope he will make it home to Ithica.