Alcinous

Alcinous is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, primarily known as the king of the Phaeacians and the hospitable host of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey. He resides in the mythical island kingdom of Scheria, a land of extraordinary beauty and advanced civilization. The Phaeacians themselves are depicted as a seafaring people, skilled in shipbuilding and navigation, living a life of relative ease and prosperity.

In the Odyssey, Odysseus washes ashore on Scheria, shipwrecked and destitute. Alcinous, guided by his queen Arete, welcomes Odysseus with exceptional hospitality, offering him food, shelter, and abundant gifts. He is renowned for his wisdom and just rule, and his court is a place of feasting and entertainment, where bards sing tales of heroes. Alcinous plays a crucial role in Odysseus's eventual return home; it is Alcinous who provides Odysseus with a swift ship and a willing crew to transport him back to Ithaca. His generosity and adherence to the customs of xenia, or guest-friendship, are central to his portrayal. The Phaeacians, under Alcinous's leadership, are described as being favored by the gods, and their land is a haven of peace.