Book 8

Hey, its Odysseus. I have come to realize that me being a light sleeper, and waking up in that olive bush to come here, actually came to my aid. When Alkinoos said he would help me get home, he wasn't joking around. Today, he brought toghether all of his greatest generals and captains. He said to them that they must find a 52 man crew, the fastest sailer in the land, and rig and prepare a blackship for departure. Amazing! I could be back in Ithika in no time at all. And, to top it all off, everyone is invited to a feast in the evening with a fantastic minstrel. I watch them loop the oars and bring up the white sail, and before I know it, it is time for the banquet. Tuskers and oxen are brought out and cooked to perfection. After we all drink and eat for a bit Demodokos, the minstrel whose fingers must be guided by Muse herself, come out with his harp. He plays a song about the struggle between Akhilleus and I. I start to weep, but cover it up with my mantle. When you hear something that caused you great suffering, your emotion sadens even to the extent of tears. Only Alkinoos notices next to me, and thankfully stops the music. Instead he offers that we go to the pentathalon, where the Phaiakians show off their skill in track and field. Although this takes my mind off of the war, it dosn't cure my sulen mood. I watch a the sailers and princes compete who are quite good if I might add. Then, unexpectingly, Laodamas, a prince of Alkinoos, comes up to me and asks me to join in the games. I kindly tell that I truthfully do not wish to be there, and have more on my mind then their silly games. To this he insults my nautical skills and knowledge of sport. How dare he? Doesn't he know who I am? Then I realized that no one knows who I am. But still, so I insult him back and then accept his challenge. I pick up a disk and hurl it through the air farther than any before. Even an onlooker acknowledged the lenth of my throw. I am now all wriled up and ready to take on anyone, besides the host of course. However Alkinoos, seeing I was insulted, decides to stop the games and show off his famed dancers and performers. Demodokos then sang the story of Ares and Aphrodite's affair. After more acrobats gave us a show. I then knew what Alkinoos was saying when he bragged about his performers. When the acrobats were done, King Alkinoos proceeded to give me more gifts for the insult given to me. I was bathed and sent back into another feast once more. I do beleive that the king has repented for Laodamas's insult. Demodokus then told another story at which I weeped at, the Trojan Horse. However, when Alkinoos noticed this a second time he made the music stop. Although I did not say it, my heart was put at rest for this. He asked me for my name, but at this I must stop. There is much to tell him.