Arete

• descendant of Poseidon
• people look upon her as a goddess
• she is a wise woman and can settle men's disputes
• Nausicaa and Athene tell him to approach her first
• once her support is secured, Alcinous will follow
• like Circe, Calypso and P, she is associated with weaving
• she sits in the hearth with her ladies, spinning purple yarn
• she is a caring mother - makes Nausicaa a picnic for her washing trip
• loyal wife and mother within the family
• within the household, she is powerful
• recognises the clothes Ody is wearing and insists on an explanation
• when he is leaving, the parting gifts are put at her feet
• adds her own present, warning Ody to fasten the chest securely
• it is to Arete that Ody makes his final speech
• she sends her serving women to accompany him to the ship