Book Eight: A Day for Songs and Contests

In book eight, everyone gathers for an assembly in which Alcinous introduces Odysseus to the Phaecians. After the ship is readied for their departure, they have a feast and the bard Demodocus sang about the Trojan War. Alcinous decided to begin games of wrestling, racing and other sports. Broadsea challenged Odysseus, and Odysseus demonstrates his strength with the throwing of a discus. Alcinous then announces that it is time to dance, and the tale of Aphrodite and Ares when Hephaestus ensnared them in chains was sung. Parting gifts were amassed, and Odysseus was bathed. Another feast is held, and Demodocus sings the tale of the Trojan Horse. After seeing Odysseus cry at the tale of the Trojan War for the second time, Alcinous questioned Odysseus' identity. It was interesting how this is the first time the book mentioned that someone was embarassed about crying, Menelaus and Telemachus were fine with facing their emotions, yet Odysseus was ashamed of crying. I found it interesting how Nausicaa basically came up to Odysseus and told him to remember her for saving his life, since that would be odd at this time.