The character of Nausikaa is somewhat of an anomaly in the Odyssey. Among women, she is a fully developed character. Although this depth initially involves Ulysses, it becomes the force that pushes him towards his final homecoming. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One notable aspect of Nausikaa is the well-roundedness of her character. She leaves the impression of a self-possessed and poised young woman. She exudes rationality above all other traits, especially shown when she reveals herself to be one of the only characters in the text not to be fooled by Ulysses' flattery; it is only after Athena "gracefully gilded his head and shoulders" (VI, 235) that Nausikaa's interest is piqued. He admits: «He once seemed to me to be an unpromising man» (VI, 242). Her resistance to Odysseus's charms is unprecedented and demonstrates both her sophistication and her lucidity. Nausikaa also radiates confidence. At her first meeting with Odysseus, she is the only woman who stands her ground, later scolding her handmaidens for running in fear: "Stay still, girls. Where are you flying, just because you looked at a man?" (VI, 199-200) Such courage is undoubtedly the product of the city itself, which values ​​boldness above all else: both Athena and Nausikaa warn Odysseus to be bold in meeting the king and queen. Athena advises him to «enter with a soul that fears nothing. In the end, the bold man is better in every action, even if he is a foreigner" (VII, 51). Even the palace itself is built with "bronze walls" (VII, 86). As the developed human being that she is, full of desires, thoughts, and an array of admirable human qualities, Nausikaa comes in stark contrast to Odysseus' other love interests, who tend toward the one-dimensional and otherworldly. It is her inherent realism as a human being that makes Nausikaa so attractive to Odysseus: she is, in fact, a viable option as a wife. Their first meeting - which takes place in a paradisiacal setting facing the ocean (which includes "a swirling river" and "the sweet grass of the river", as well as women bathing and enjoying themselves (VI, 90-6) ) - begins on a sexual note, with Odysseus arriving naked where Nausikaa herself was naked only a short time earlier. Thus Nausikaa establishes herself as the most devious of temptresses from their first meeting. This premise is further explored as she is continually mentioned as beautiful: "like the goddess immortal in stature and beauty" (VI, 16). Its beauty is in fact excessively emphasized; nearly every line of hers in the text is accompanied by a description of her attractiveness, a comparison of herself to a deity, or a combination of the two. This constant reminder serves to translate to the reader how truly tempting and dangerous Nausikaa is for Odysseus to return home. It should be noted that Nausikaa often attempts to portray herself as naive. This projected innocence – which fits perfectly with the theme of disguise in the Odyssey – is simply a device cleverly employed by Nausikaa to make her more attractive to Odysseus. This projection can be observed when he feigns shyness when considering the reactions of the goalkeepers (VI, 270-90). This angle actually works to Nausikaa's advantage; such docility from a woman in something he hadn't encountered in years, having been dominated by aggressive women for an entire decade. Interestingly, Athena perpetuates the theme of girlish innocence, ingraining it in Odysseus' consciousness by transforming into a girl who helps him reach Alcino's palace (VII, 18-21). This situation - an intelligent woman disguised as a young girl who helps guide Odysseus into the city - is suspiciously.