ARETE (wife of Alcinous)

When Odysseus arrived, Arete was the first to speak to him after the guests retired, recognizing the garments he wore as items she and her maids had made.⁹ She asked him to identify himself and explain how he received his clothes.⁹ Odysseus placed his hands upon her knees to reveal himself, and she instructed her servants to prepare a bed in the gatehouse room for him.^3,10 She ordered the bed to be made with red rugs, coverlets, and woollen cloaks.¹⁰

As Odysseus prepared to depart, Arete packed gifts of gold and clothing into the chest, including a cloak and shirt belonging to Alcinous.^11,8 Alcinous had instructed her to retrieve the finest chest available in their home for this purpose.¹¹ She was told to place a clean cloak and shirt inside the chest.¹¹ Arete dispatched several maidservants to accompany the traveler to his vessel, one carrying a clean shirt and cloak, another the strong box, and a third bringing corn and wine for the journey.¹² Odysseus placed a double cup into her hands, and she offered a toast to the guests present at the gathering.^13,14,15

In the story of the Argonauts, Arete arranged for Medea to marry Jason before the Colchians could claim her.¹ Medea touched the knees of Arete while pleading in fear, and the queen provided twelve Phaeacian handmaids to her.^2,16,17 Hera inspired Arete to announce Alcinous's decision regarding the marriage, and her speech, delivered by a messenger to Jason, was considered to have a fair omen.^17,18 Arete and Alcinous spent the night devising plans concerning a maiden, and she addressed her husband with loving words.⁷ Together, they bestowed many gifts of friendship upon the departing Minyae.¹⁷

Arete spoke to the guests after they sat silently in the covered cloister.¹⁹