#nausikaa

There is something so special about how women are at the heart of the Odyssey. It is Athena who goes to plead to Zeus and takes advantage of Poseidon's absence to finally free Odysseus from Calypso's Ogygia. When Odysseus struggles at sea under Poseidon's wrath it is Ino/Leucothea who grants him her veil and helps him reach Phaeacia. At Phaeacia it is Nausikaa who helps Odysseus in his time of need, granting him the knowledge and attire to go plead his case in dignity, and Arete who blessses his journey back to Ithaca. Without Eurykleia's loyalty Odysseus' scheme would have fallen apart and his household wouldn't have stood with the strength that it did. Above all, without Penelope's undying fidelity and perseverance, her wisdom and scheming - without Penelope's love, Odysseus wouldn't have had a kingdom to reclaim when he returned.