The Odyssey

The sun began to slip through the window, warming my face. The comfort of the familiar room kept me in a deep slumber, but a soft voice abruptly roused me. Dymas’ daughter stood hovering over me and pleaded to go out. “Come, Nausicaa, your clothes are in need of a fresh wash. How do you expect to get a husband when they lie there neglected? Go get your father and ask him for supplies, we must go to the beach today.” I propped myself up against the golden headboard that had been carefully crafted, and peered up at her. I thought of what she encouraged, and agreed, laying my head back down on my pillow, waiting for dawn to fully rise. 

The house was awake, the maids beginning their chores, and I dressed myself, preparing to encounter my father. Down I crept through the grand halls, making my way to the room where my mother and father sat. “Father?” I asked, “A man of great honor as yourself deserves the finest of linen, our clothes lay soiled and are in no form fit for you. Won't you please prepare a wagon so my maids and I may go down and prepare fresh clothing?” Butterflies fluttered in my chest as I awaited his answer, I was too shy to mention my hopes for marriage and stood there quietly. He shifted in his chair and looked at me “of course, I will never deny you anything dear girl, now go off and I will have my men prepare you a wagon.” 

As the afternoon passed, my maids and I made our way to the beach. The reflection of the sun on the water looked like a mantel of quartz and shimmered brightly. We began to wash the clothes, thoroughly rinsing and scrubbing, making sure that they were handled with the utmost care. Once the chore had been completed and we had washed ourselves and rubbed oil over our bodies,  we began to eat the picnic the maids had brought along with us. We watched the sun dry the clothes that lay across the rocks of the shore as we feasted. Once every bite was eaten and every girl was content, I began to sing and dance. The rest of the women joined me as we scampered across the shore, like soft flowers, freshly bloomed, reaching towards the sun and dancing in the morning wind. We began to toss a ball back and forth, laughter filled the air, and the ball flew into the water. I rushed over to the shore to retrieve the ball and turned back to the ladies, only to see them running away in fear.

Taking me only a moment to figure out what had frightened the maids, I glanced forward at a man. He was tall and dirty with only a branch to cover his body. He expected me to run off with the others, but I stood firm and looked him in the eyes. The man began to speak, “Please, Princess, I beg of you, I've been through so much and just need transportation home to Ithaca.” I could tell he was honest and could hear the urgency in his voice. I looked over to the maidens who hid behind the bushes and called out, “Ladies, why do you run away from an innocent man? Come here, do not fear.” The girls crept over timidly, but I remained calm. Something about him seemed noble and important, he almost seemed like the much-enduring Odysseus.

I will help you clean up and deliver you to my father, Alcinous, who will assist you. The dirty man came forward, and I needed no more information to know who he was. I had the maids take him to the palace, bathe him, and rub him with oil. When he was clean, he emerged and looked like a god. I was shocked at his transformation and kept my promise, and led him to my father. I closed the door behind him and walked away, confused yet intrigued by the encounter.