Greek Mythology
Scheria — Greek Mythology
Scheria is the island home of the Phaeacians in Greek mythology and the decisive place where Odysseus receives his final aid on the journey home. Its importance lies in linking his long sea-wanderings to the last voyage back to Ithaca.
Overview
Scheria belongs to the seaborne homecoming geography of the *Odyssey*: it is the island Odysseus reaches after leaving Calypso and before returning to Ithaca. The story describes its shore, river mouth, city, harbor, palace, palace garden, and road leading into the city. Outside the city, it also includes a sacred precinct of Athena, a poplar grove, and a spring.
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Role in Greek mythology
Scheria is the land of the Phaeacians, where King Alcinous, Queen Arete, and Princess Nausicaa live. The Phaeacians are known for their skill at seafaring, and their ships can carry guests swiftly and safely to their destination; in Odysseus's homeward journey, Scheria therefore becomes the place where he turns from castaway back into homebound traveler.
After a storm, Odysseus is driven by the waves to the shore of Scheria. He first comes ashore near a river mouth and then rests among the trees. When Nausicaa and her attendants find him, he receives clothing, food, and directions into the city, and, following Nausicaa's advice, goes to the palace of Alcinous to ask the Phaeacians to escort him back to Ithaca.
Geographical background
Scheria in the story is not an island defined by real-world coordinates, but a mythic island within Odysseus's sea-wanderings. Its identifiable places include the shore and river mouth where Odysseus lands, the riverside where Nausicaa washes clothes, the road to the city, the poplar grove and sacred precinct of Athena outside the city, the Phaeacian harbor and moorings, and the palace of Alcinous.
The palace is described as the center of Phaeacian political life and hospitality. There Odysseus appeals to Arete, is received by the king and nobles, and hears the bard Demodocus sing of events from the Trojan past. Scheria's harbor and fleet perform the story's practical transport function, carrying Odysseus back to Ithaca.
Related stories
"Nausicaa and the Phaeacians" mentions this place: Odysseus is rescued on the shore of Scheria, meets Nausicaa, and receives Phaeacian hospitality and the promise of passage home in the palace of Alcinous.
"Odysseus Returns to Ithaca" mentions this place: the Phaeacian ship sets out from Scheria and carries the sleeping Odysseus back to Ithaca; on its return voyage, Poseidon punishes the Phaeacians by turning the ship into a great rock in the sea as it approaches Scheria.