Alcinous

Alcinous, in Greek mythology, king of the Phaeacians (on the legendary island of Scheria). In Homer’s Odyssey (Books VI–XIII) he entertained Odysseus, providing him with comforts and a ship in which to sail home to Ithaca. In this way Alcinous upheld xenia, the Greek code of hospitality, in contrast to violators of the code, such as the Cyclops Polyphemus and the suitors of Odysseus’s wife Penelope. Scheria was identified in very early times with Corcyra (modern Corfu), where Alcinous was revered as a hero. In the legend of the Argonauts and Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece, Alcinous lived in Drepane.

Alcinous was regarded as the son of Nausithous in some accounts. In others his father is given as Phaeax, a son of Poseidon. Alcinous married Arete and their children included five sons and a daughter, Nausicaa. By all accounts Alcinous was an exemplary husband and father, and his household was remarkable for its concord. His reign was likewise exceptional for its harmony and cooperative approach to governance, and Scheria, situated at the margin of the ancient Greek world, was peaceful and prosperous under his leadership.

Scheria was Odysseus’s last stop before he finally made it home to Ithaca, ending a 10-year voyage from Troy. He had sailed from Calypso’s island, Ogygia, but his raft was destroyed by Poseidon, whose persecution had prolonged Odysseus’s wanderings. The shipwrecked Odysseus was rescued by the sea goddess Ino or Leucothea, whose gift of a veil allowed him to swim to land. On shore Odysseus was discovered by Nausicaa and was eventually taken to Alcinous.

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From Athena to Zeus: Basics of Greek Mythology

Alcinous proved himself a generous and hospitable host and provided Odysseus not only with food, shelter, and clothing but also a forum to relate his misadventures. At the end of Odysseus’s stay, Alcinous sent him home to Ithaca in a Phaeacian ship, which was crewed but required no steering. In retaliation for helping Odysseus, Poseidon turned the ship into stone at the end of its return journey.

In the Argonautic legend, Alcinous received Jason and Medea after the pair had fled from Colchis with the Golden Fleece Jason had taken from Medea’s father, King Aeëtes. Alcinous confided to Arete his intention of surrendering Medea to the pursuing Colchians unless she were to be married. Jason and Medea’s wedding duly took place in Drepane.