Odyssey Book 6 - 8

Ulysses has washed ashore on the island of Scheria. The island's Princess Nausicaa has been compelled by Athena (in disguise as a friend of the princess) to go do laundry at the shore, very near where Ulysses has collapsed. He is subsequently discovered by this group of women. He is given directions to the royal palace by the princess, who is enamored with handsome Ulysses. Ulysses, however, is not distracted by her beauty, wishing only to get home to Penelope.  

He is received well at the royal palace. While they recognize that he is extraordinary and strong (they even suspect him of being a god, until he reassures them of his mortality), they do not know who he is. 

Eventually, Ulysses reveals his identity. The Phaeacians have great respect for him and offer to return him to Ithaca with all of the equipment and provisions needed. This is a prospect he is grateful for, but first, he offers to tell the tales of his past few years. 

Analysis

The land of Phaeacia is like Paradise. The people are kind and generous, the food is plentiful, and there is little to worry about. There are even beautiful women wishing to take Ulysses as a husband, yet he remains focused and undeterred in his goal to return to his wife.