BA#3

Princess Nausicaa; Book 6: The Princess and the Stranger, line 20

Princess Nausicaa is a hero because she is courageous and clever. When she finds Odysseus naked in the open, she does not shy away or show weakness. Neither does she view him as lowly and ignore him as though he's not worth her time. When he begs her for pitty she doesnt baby him. Rather, she is understanding yet stern. She acknowledges his troubles and tells him he must "bear" his pain.(6.210)

Princess Nausicaa can be compared to Calypso. Both women have power and beauty, but they use stregnths differently. When Odysseus came across Calypso, she used position to mystify him and kept him with her by "force."(5.16) Nausicaa was unwed and looking for a husband. She could have used Odysseus' weak state as an opportunity to take advantage of him. When Odysseus tries to flatter her by commenting on her "build, bearing, and lithec flowing grace" she doesn't become gitty and forget about her respectable position.(6.167)

Princess Nausicaa shows she is a hero not only because of her character, but because she assisted Odysseus using compassion and common sense. She was selfless and smart when making decisions. She may not have defeated a cyclops or endured Poseidon's wrath, but she has proved herself to be a hero.