Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Odyssey: Part 3 - A Guest at the Palace

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Starting point is 00:01:47 slash get sleepy. Welcome to get sleepy. Welcome to get sleepy. where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas. Thank you so much for being here. This evening will continue our relaxing retelling of The Odyssey. As you may remember from last time, Odysseus built a raft and set sail from Calypso's Island. His journey across the sea didn't exactly go smoothly, but in the end he made it safely to land.

Starting point is 00:02:41 This is where we find Odysseus at the beginning of tonight's story, as he wakes up in the woods. Hopefully, the people on this island will give him food and shelter before he continues. on his journey home. A big thanks to Alexandra for writing this series, which I have the pleasure of reading for you. So, my friends, let's prepare for our story by taking a few moments to settle down and ease our minds. Whenever you come here to listen, I truly hope you feel a sense of comfort and reassurance. It's something we've always strived to nurture. And I love the idea that, as many of you have expressed to me over the years,

Starting point is 00:03:45 pressing play on one of our episodes provides you a calming familiarity to your bedtime routine and a feeling of friendship and care. Right now, I'd like you to give yourself some comfort, and reassurance, whatever might be going on in your life, and however you're feeling. I know you're trying your best. We are all on our own journeys of self-discovery and journeys towards goals and achievements. Sometimes these journeys feel exciting and life seems to flow easily as we go about our daily activities. But these journeys always present challenges too. And moments where we may question ourselves or our circumstances and direction, this is all

Starting point is 00:04:59 completely normal and just part of what it is to be alive. These journeys are ongoing throughout our lives. Then they will fluctuate, twist and turn in unexpected ways, bring us challenges and difficult emotions at times. So, as you settle down tonight, give yourself some recognition and appreciation. Many of us tend to default to being self-critical, but we all deserve to feel love and appreciation for who we are and what we do. So perhaps right now you can internally say to yourself, I'm trying my best and that is all I can ask of myself. Thank you so very much for being here and just being you. And now, let's help you get a good night's rest.

Starting point is 00:06:33 Speaking of journeys, we're ready to begin the next chapter of Odysseus' epic quest to make it back to his homeland. So, just listen along, relax, and drift off whenever you're ready. Let's begin. Odysseus awoke to the sound of voices. As he opened his eyes, it took him a moment to get his bearings. But then, it slowly started to come back to him. The sea voyage, the storm, and his arrival on the island, utterly exhausted.

Starting point is 00:07:55 He had gone into the trees. and found shelter under some bushes. Then he fell into a deep, deep sleep, and now he was awake, and he could hear loud, high-pitched voices beyond the trees. Who were they? Nymphs, perhaps, the divine beings who often roamed to the mountains, streams and meadows,

Starting point is 00:08:35 The voices seemed to be female, whether they were divine or mortal. There was only one way to find out. Odysseus got to his feet and tore off a branch covered in leaves, so he could protect his modesty. Having lost his clothes at sea, this would have to do. He then made his way towards the sound of the voices, and found himself on the sunlit bank of the river. A group of young women were running across the grass,

Starting point is 00:09:30 shouting and laughing as they tossed a ball around. But then they spotted Odysseus. He was quite a sight. A wild-looking man, naked but for a branch, and still covered in the salty brine of the sea. The women ran in the opposite direction. All except one, the goddess Athena gave one young woman the courage to stand still and look Odysseus in the eye.

Starting point is 00:10:20 As they stared at one another, Odysseus wondered what he should do, should he grovel at her feet and beg for help, or should he keep his distance and speak carefully? He didn't want to scare the girl. So, staying where he was, Odysseus began to speak, relying on his usual tool of flattery. The girl was so tall and beautiful, said Odysseus. that she reminded him of the goddess Artemis, or perhaps a tree he once saw on his travels,

Starting point is 00:11:15 a lush young palm that grew by Apollo's altar. He was quite in awe. And yet he had no choice but to approach her and beg her to take pity on him. Odysseus explained that for many days he had been adrift at sea, tossed about in the storm, but the day before he had washed up here in a land where he knew no one. Would this gracious young woman help him? Would she give him some rags and take him to the town?

Starting point is 00:12:09 although he didn't know it yet. Odysseus was in luck. The young woman was Norseca, a princess on the island, and that very morning. The goddess Athena had given her the idea to come down to the river to do some laundry. That way, she was sure to encounter Odysseus.

Starting point is 00:12:47 Athena was always looking out for her favourite mortal and trying to help him when she could. But in this moment, Norseca knew nothing of Odysseus. She didn't even know his name. All she knew was that this poor man needed her help. Stranger, said Norseca. The gods are the ones who decide what happens to us, good or bad. Perhaps your troubles are Zeus's will, but now that you are here in our land, of course we will help you. We are the phyatians, and I am Norseca, the daughter of King Alcinous.

Starting point is 00:13:54 Norsica then called to the other girls who were watching from a distance. This man was no enemy, she said. But a stranger sent by Zeus who must be treated with kindness. The servant girls provided Odysseus with a fresh tunic and cloak, along with a flask of olive oil, before leaving him to wash in the river in privacy. It was quite a relief to rinse the salt from his hair and scrub the brine off his skin.

Starting point is 00:14:48 Then, once Odysseus was clean and dressed, his skin soft with oil. The girls brought him food and drink. He felt almost reborn. Meanwhile, Norseca had come up with a plan. She would lead the way in her wagon, while Odysseus followed behind with the donkeys and the servant girls. It was best for them to keep a bit of a distance.

Starting point is 00:15:32 After all, she was a young unwed woman. What would people say if they saw her with a strange man? And a foreigner at that. This island was remote, and the phyacians were not used to visitors. So rather than set tongues wagging, Odysseus and Norseca should travel to town separately. Norseca would go on ahead. Odysseus waited in a nearby Poplar grove, not far from the town. After an hour or so, said Norseca. Odysseus should ask for directions to the palace of King Alcinous. Everyone here knew

Starting point is 00:16:38 where it was. Even a child could guide him. Once Odysseus had arrived at the palace, he should make his way to the great hall. There, he would find Norsica's parents, the king and queen. Norsica's advice was for Odysseus to talk to her mother, to approach the queen directly and ask for help. If the queen took a liking to him, she would surely help Odysseus to return home. After giving these instructions, Norseca set off in her wagon. The donkeys trotted at a leisurely pace, so Odysseus could keep up as he followed on foot. At sunset, they reached the poplar grove. A peaceful place with a fountain, which was known as a sanctuary to the goddess Athena, while Norsechka and the servants continued on towards the palace. Odysseus stayed behind.

Starting point is 00:18:20 As the sky darkened, he sat on the soft grass and prayed to Athena. He hoped that the king and queen would take pity on him and give him a warm welcome at the palace. After his prayer, Odysseus lay down and rested for a while, soothed by the sounds of the trickling fountain. When he judged that enough time had passed, Odysseus left the grove and walked slowly towards the town. Athena cloaked him in a silvery mist, so he would go on notice among the town's people. there were no stairs, no inquisitive remarks.

Starting point is 00:19:27 Odysseus was invisible. Only one girl saw him, unbeknownst to Odysseus. It was Athena herself, who had taken the form of a young girl. She carried a picture of water and stopped right in front of him. Odysseus explained that he was a visitor and he didn't know the town. Perhaps the girl could show him the way to the palace of King Alcinous, smiling, the girl said that she would take him there. It wasn't far, but they must walk in silence to avoid attracting attention.

Starting point is 00:20:30 In a whisper, she added that the phyatians were seafarers. They often travelled in ships that moved as fast as wings. But they were wary of visitors from abroad. Odysseus followed the girl in silence, still hidden by the magical mist. As he walked through the town, he looked around in the town. He looked around in awe, amazed by the grand ships and harbors, and the wars. He had never seen such wars. It wasn't long before they reached the palace.

Starting point is 00:21:30 The girl turned to Odysseus and told him that this was the home of King Alcinous and his wife, Ariti, she then gave him the same piece of advice as Norseca, that Odysseus should approach the queen first and ask for her help. She was a kind, clever woman, and she helped those she liked, if Odysseus wanted to see his homeland again and be reunited with his loved ones, he must talk to her. The girl then added that Odysseus should enter the palace without fear. The brave was sure to succeed. After giving this advice, the child turned and walked away.

Starting point is 00:22:44 Once she was out of eyesight, she shifted back into her divine form. it was time for Athena to cross the sea. She had business to attend to in Athens. Meanwhile, Odysseus stood by the palace threshold, looking around in wonder, everything was made from bronze or gold, and shone like the sun. The doors were guarded by silver docks,

Starting point is 00:23:29 sculpted by the god Hephaeustus, unlike mortal dogs, they would protect the palace for all time. As Odysseus entered the great hall, still shrouded him mist. He gazed at the scene before him. Men and women feasted together at long tables, and the hall was lit by blazing torches, Each torch was held by a lifelike statue, made of gold. For a moment, Odysseus hesitated. After all he'd gone through in the past years, he felt out of place here in such opulent surroundings.

Starting point is 00:24:34 Just days ago he had been adrift at sea. And now, he was standing in this grand hall, where the fiation elite dined on the finest food, and poured offerings to the gods. But now he was here, he must do, as the girls had told him, approaching the table at the end of the hall. Odysseus knelt down in front of the queen. The silver mist disappeared. and a hush descended on the hall as everyone stared in astonishment. Who was this man?

Starting point is 00:25:33 But Odysseus did not introduce himself. In few words, he explained that he had come to ask for help. All he wanted was to return home. He missed his family and hoped the phyations would help him. the king and queen were so taken aback that at first they did not speak. Odysseus remained kneeling on the floor until another man spoke. He urged the king to give Odysseus a chair and to offer him food and wine. It was the right thing to do.

Starting point is 00:26:34 Alcinous agreed. inviting Odysseus to sit in the chair beside him, and within moments, the servants had brought everything that was needed, a silver bowl and a pitcher of water, so the guest could wash his hands. A plate piled high with food, and a cup of sweet wine. Odysseus was delighted. Though he had eaten earlier at the riverside, his long journey had left him ravenous, as he ate and drank with pleasure. King Alcinous spoke, the phyacians would help their guest, whoever he was. Odysseus was welcome to stay in the palace while preparations were made for his departure, But perhaps Alcinamus looked thoughtful.

Starting point is 00:27:55 Could it be that their guest was a god in disguise? Odysseus assured his host that he was a mortal man. He'd come here to eat and drink, to replenish his strength, and then, with some help, to return home. All he wanted was to live out the rest of his days in peace. Once the feast was over, the others left to the hall, leaving Odysseus alone with the king and queen, as the servants cleaned up the dishes.

Starting point is 00:28:49 The queen looked at Odysseus thoughtfully. He wore such elegant clothes, and she couldn't help but notice his shirt. It looked like one she had woven herself, full of curiosity. The queen asked Odysseus who he was, and who had given him those fine clothes. They were fine indeed, for a man who said he'd spent days adrift at sea. Odysseus didn't want to reveal his identity, but neither did he want to be dishonest.

Starting point is 00:29:43 He knew he had to earn the queen's trust. So, he decided to share a version of the truth. He told the story of his time on Calypso's Island and the journey that followed. He described the storm. his swim for survival and his arrival on the island of the phyatians. Then, choosing his words carefully, Odysseus explained how he had met Norseca, the king and queen's daughter. She had been so kind, giving him food and drink, and the very clothing he was wearing now.

Starting point is 00:30:38 hearing this story, Alcinuas smiled. He was pleased to hear Norseca had treated Odysseus with such kindness. But why did she not bring him to the palace herself, wanting to be tactful? Odysseus said that it was he himself who had insisted on coming separately. He wasn't sure what the king would think, seeing his daughter with a stranger. But fortunately, it seemed that both king and queen were quite happy with their guest. In fact, said Alcinous, if Odysseus didn't have a family of his own to get back to, they would invite him to stay longer.

Starting point is 00:31:45 He might even become their son-in-law one day, but Odysseus had been quite clear about his intentions. The king agreed that in the following days, they would prepare a ship to take him home, but for now, it was time to rest. The servants swiftly prepared a comfortable bed on the port. It was covered with luxurious purple blankets and soft woolen quilts, remembering the last place he'd slept out in the woods. Odysseus was deeply grateful as he settled down, listening to the comforting echoes of the portico. He let out a sigh of contentment, and in no time at all. He was fast asleep.

Starting point is 00:33:06 Over the next few days, preparations were made for Odysseus' journey. Athena disguised herself as a royal messenger and went about town until she'd gathered enough men for the crew. But the king didn't want to send off his guest just yet. There must be feasts, sacrifices to the gods. to the gods, and a contest or two. The phyatians were proud athletes. They wanted to show their visitor just how strong and skilled they were. So, the men were quick to organize races and wrestling matches. Odysseus also took part, now that his strength had returned, he knew how to throw

Starting point is 00:34:20 a discus. And as for archery, he was up there with the best. After the games, more festivities followed, a sacred dance and a performance by the bard Demodocus. As he strummed his liar, Demodocus sang stories of the gods. Their rivalries and love affairs. Odysseus was thoroughly entertained, and as if all this wasn't enough, there were gifts, too, in a gesture of hospitality and friendship. The king had decided that every fiation lord should present Odysseus with a gift. He received pounds of gold, fine clothing, and a sword that dazzled. with its silver handle and ivory scabbard, the king and queen also had gifts of their own to give,

Starting point is 00:35:50 a magnificent golden cup and a beautifully carved chest. Inside, carefully folded, were a new cloak and tunic. After this display of generosity, Odysseus was invited to take a bath. A huge bronze cauldron was heated up on the fire and used to fill the tub. Delighted by the steaming water, Odysseus enjoyed a long, leisurely bath, and then, once his skin was oiled, and he was dressed in his fine new clothes, It was time to make his way to the Great Hall for yet another feast. As Odysseus entered the room, he caught sight of a familiar face. Standing beside a pillar was Norseca, as beautiful as a goddess. The princess smiled when she saw Odysseus.

Starting point is 00:37:23 Always remember, she said. that I was the first to help you. When you finally get back home, think of me. Of course, said Odysseus, if he were lucky enough to return to his native land, he would pray to Norseca, just as he would to a goddess. She had saved his life.

Starting point is 00:37:59 Odysseus then went to take a seat beside the king, Already, the table was laden with the most wonderful food and wine. As Odysseus sat there, glancing around the room, he noticed the bard, Demodocus. Odysseus took a slice of the best cut of meat and asked one of the serving boys to bring it to Demodocus. He wanted to pay his respects to the poet. Later in the evening, when the feast was coming to an end, Odysseus spoke directly to Demodocus. He praised him for his skill as a poet and storyteller,

Starting point is 00:39:05 when the bard sang songs of the Trojan War. It was as if he had been there himself. So Odysseus had a request. The story of the wooden horse, the hall fell silent as Demodocus began to sing. He sang of Odysseus, how the Greek hero had hidden a group of soldiers inside a huge wooden horse in order to trick the Trojans, just as he'd planned. The wooden horse was dragged right into the heart of Troy. The Trojans, of course, had no idea what was inside. They doomed themselves, bringing their enemies into their own citadel. That night, the ambush began. The Greek soldiers led by a ducid.

Starting point is 00:40:26 Slipped out of the belly of the horse and launched their attack. The bard described it all in vivid detail. The plotting, the fighting, and the triumph of the Greeks. With the help of the goddess Athena, they won the battle. As Odysseus listened to the song, the memories came full. flooding back. He couldn't help but weep. No one but the king, who was sitting right beside him, noticed Odysseus's tears. Alcinous raised his hands and asked the bard to stop singing. It was a beautiful song, but their guest had been moved too deeply.

Starting point is 00:41:37 They should end the evening in lighter spirits, so Odysseus could enjoy his last night with the phyatians. This was his send-off after all, and yet the king could no longer restrain his curiosity. They still didn't know their guest's name, or where he came from. They knew little of his travels. And why had he been so moved by the song? Had he known someone at Troy? Alcinous had so many questions. The others in the hall were curious, too. Looking at Odysseus expectantly, for a moment, the room was silent. The bard had put down his liar, and the phyacians were all waiting for an answer. Odysseus took a deep breath, before introducing himself at last. I am Odysseus, he said, and then it was clear to everyone that their guest had quite a story to tell.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Odyssey: Part 3 - A Guest at the Palace

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