batch.motif.greek-odyssey-butler-gutenberg-l5712-l5817
---
record_id: batch.motif.greek-odyssey-butler-gutenberg-l5712-l5817
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
passage_locator:
label: BOOK XII / THE SIRENS, SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS, THE CATTLE OF THE SUN. / BOOK
XIII / ULYSSES LEAVES SCHERIA AND RETURNS TO ITHACA.; lines 5712-5817
start: '5712'
end: '5817'
translation: The Odyssey
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: Ulysses briefly recalls being stranded on Ogygia with Calypso. In Scheria,
Alcinous and the Phaeacians complete guest-gifts, feast, sacrifice to Jove, make
drink-offerings, and send Ulysses away by ship. Ulysses says farewell to Arete,
boards the ship, and falls into a deep, almost deathlike sleep while the Phaeacian
crew rows him swiftly to Ithaca. The passage closes by describing the harbor of
Phorcys in Ithaca, with an olive tree and a sacred cavern of the Naiad nymphs
containing stone vessels, bees, stone looms, water, and two entrances, one for
mortals and one for gods.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Ulysses says he was carried for nine days and stranded on the Ogygian island
where Calypso dwells.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Alcinous proposes that the Phaeacians add further gifts of tripods and cauldrons
for Ulysses.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: The gifts already include clothes, wrought gold, and other valuables packed
for the guest.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: Alcinous sacrifices a bull in honor of Jove before the company eats.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: Demodocus sings while Ulysses repeatedly looks toward the sun because he wants
to depart.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:6
text: Ulysses asks for drink-offerings, thanks the Phaeacians for escort and gifts,
and wishes well to their households and people.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:7
text: Pontonous mixes wine, the people make drink-offerings to the gods, and Ulysses
gives the double cup to Arete while bidding her farewell.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:8
text: Arete sends maidservants with a shirt and cloak, a strong box, and corn and
wine for the voyage.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:9
text: The crew prepares a sleeping place for Ulysses in the stern, loosens the ship,
and rows out to sea.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:10
text: Ulysses falls into a deep, sweet, almost deathlike sleep during the departure.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:11
text: The ship travels swiftly over dark blue water and carries the sleeping Ulysses
toward land near dawn.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: obs:12
text: The Ithacan harbor of Phorcys lies between two points that shelter ships from
wind and sea.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:13
text: At the head of the harbor are a large olive tree and a sacred cavern of the
Naiad nymphs.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:14
text: Inside the cavern are stone mixing bowls, stone wine-jars, bees, stone looms,
robes of sea purple, and water.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:15
text: 'The cavern has two entrances: a northern entrance for mortals and a southern
entrance used by gods.'
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Ulysses
description: The guest and returning traveler who leaves Scheria by ship for Ithaca.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Calypso
description: A great and powerful goddess dwelling on Ogygia who took Ulysses in
and was kind to him.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Alcinous
description: The king and host who arranges additional gifts, sacrifice, and escort
for Ulysses.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Phaeacians
description: The people who approve Alcinous's proposal, provide gifts, make offerings,
and escort Ulysses.
role_refs:
- role:5
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Demodocus
description: An inspired bard, favored by everyone, who sings during the feast.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Jove
description: The god honored by sacrifice and prayer as father Jove and lord of
all.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Pontonous
description: The servant ordered by Alcinous to mix wine and hand it around for
prayer and departure rites.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Arete
description: The queen to whom Ulysses gives the double cup and whom he addresses
in farewell.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Maidservants of Arete
description: Servants who carry clothing, a strong box, corn, and wine to the waterside.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Phaeacian crew
description: The crew who stow provisions, prepare Ulysses's sleeping place, loosen
the ship, and row to sea.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: Naiad nymphs
description: Nymphs to whom the overarching cavern near the Ithacan harbor is sacred;
they are associated with stone looms and sea-purple robes.
role_refs:
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: Gods
description: Blessed gods in heaven receive drink-offerings; the southern entrance
of the cavern is the way taken by gods.
role_refs:
- role:8
- role:13
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:12
- id: fig:13
name_or_label: Mortals
description: Mortals can go down into the cave by the northern entrance but cannot
enter by the southern one.
role_refs:
- role:14
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: fig:14
name_or_label: Phorcys
description: An old merman whose haven is located in Ithaca.
role_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
roles:
- id: role:1
label: returning traveler
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Ulysses departs Scheria by ship and is carried toward Ithaca.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: role:2
label: honored guest
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: He receives gifts, escort, provisions, and farewell rites from the Phaeacians.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- ev:7
- id: role:3
label: divine hostess
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Calypso takes Ulysses in and is described as a powerful goddess.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:4
label: royal host
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Alcinous directs gifts, sacrifice, wine-mixing, and the escort for Ulysses.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: role:5
label: escort by sea
assigned_to:
- fig:4
- fig:10
basis: The Phaeacians agree to escort Ulysses, and the crew rows the ship away.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: role:6
label: gift-givers
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: They bring valuables, tripods, and cauldrons for Ulysses.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:7
label: bard
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Demodocus is called an inspired bard and sings to the company.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:8
label: divine recipients
assigned_to:
- fig:6
- fig:12
basis: Jove is honored with sacrifice and prayer; the blessed gods receive drink-offerings.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: role:9
label: ritual servant
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Pontonous mixes and distributes wine for the prayer before departure.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:10
label: queen and farewell recipient
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: Ulysses places the double cup in Arete's hands and bids her farewell.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: role:11
label: provision bearers
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: The maidservants carry clothing, a strong box, corn, and wine to the ship.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:12
label: cavern nymphs
assigned_to:
- fig:11
basis: The cavern is sacred to the Naiads and contains objects associated with their
weaving.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: role:13
label: users of divine entrance
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: The southern entrance of the cavern is described as the way taken by the
gods.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: role:14
label: users of mortal entrance
assigned_to:
- fig:13
basis: The northern entrance is the way mortals can go down into the cave.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: sea-going ship
literal_form: Phaeacian ship carrying Ulysses over the water to Ithaca
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:10
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: sym:2
label: guest-gifts
literal_form: clothes, wrought gold, valuables, tripods, and cauldrons
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:3
label: drink-offering wine and double cup
literal_form: mixed wine, drink-offerings, and the double cup placed in Arete's
hands
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:4
- fig:7
- fig:8
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:4
label: bull sacrifice
literal_form: a bull sacrificed in honor of Jove
associated_figures:
- fig:3
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: sym:5
label: deep sleep
literal_form: a deep, sweet, almost deathlike slumber in the stern of the ship
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: sym:6
label: water
literal_form: dark blue sea water, sheltered harbor water, and water always within
the cavern
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:10
- fig:11
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:10
- ev:11
- id: sym:7
label: olive tree
literal_form: large olive tree at the head of the Ithacan harbor
associated_figures: []
taxonomy_refs:
- tree
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: sym:8
label: sacred cavern
literal_form: fine overarching cavern sacred to the Naiad nymphs
associated_figures:
- fig:11
- fig:12
- fig:13
taxonomy_refs:
- cave
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
- id: sym:9
label: stone vessels and looms
literal_form: stone mixing bowls, stone wine-jars, and stone looms within the cavern
associated_figures:
- fig:11
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: sym:10
label: two cave entrances
literal_form: north entrance for mortals and south entrance for gods
associated_figures:
- fig:12
- fig:13
taxonomy_refs:
- cave
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Brief recall of Ogygia
summary: Ulysses says he was carried to Ogygia, where Calypso dwells and took him
in kindly.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Phaeacian gifts for the guest
summary: Alcinous proposes further gifts of tripods and cauldrons in addition to
valuables already packed for Ulysses, and the assembly approves.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:4
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Feast, sacrifice, and bardic song
summary: Alcinous sacrifices a bull to Jove, the company feasts, Demodocus sings,
and Ulysses longs for sunset and departure.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: scene:4
label: Farewell offerings and leave-taking
summary: Ulysses requests drink-offerings and thanks the Phaeacians; wine is mixed
and offered to the gods, and Ulysses bids farewell to Arete with the double cup.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:7
- fig:8
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: scene:5
label: Boarding and sleep at sea
summary: Ulysses is conducted to the shore, provisions and gifts are put aboard,
a sleeping place is made for him, and he falls into an almost deathlike sleep
as the crew rows away.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:9
- fig:10
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:5
- sym:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: scene:6
label: Swift night voyage to Ithaca
summary: The ship moves faster than a falcon over the water while Ulysses sleeps
and draws near land at dawn.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:10
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: scene:7
label: Harbor of Phorcys and Naiad cavern
summary: The passage describes the sheltered Ithacan harbor of Phorcys, the olive
tree, the sacred Naiad cavern with stone vessels, bees, looms, water, and separate
entrances for mortals and gods.
figure_refs:
- fig:11
- fig:12
- fig:13
- fig:14
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
- sym:7
- sym:8
- sym:9
- sym:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- ev:11
- ev:12
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Return voyage home
taxonomy_refs:
- return
basis: The book heading and narrated action present Ulysses leaving Scheria by ship
and arriving near Ithaca.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- ev:9
confidence: high
cautions: The passage covers the voyage and arrival setting, not the full recognition
or reintegration at home.
- id: motif:2
label: Departure with escort and gifts
taxonomy_refs:
- departure
- sacred_exchange
basis: Ulysses is sent off with gifts, provisions, an escort, prayers, and drink-offerings.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
confidence: high
cautions: The exchange is both social hospitality and ritually framed; the passage
does not define it as a formal covenant.
- id: motif:3
label: Sacrifice before departure
taxonomy_refs:
- sacrifice
basis: Alcinous sacrifices a bull to Jove before the departure sequence and feast.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
confidence: high
cautions: The passage states the sacrifice but does not explicitly say it causes
a safe voyage.
- id: motif:4
label: Deathlike sleep during passage
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Ulysses sleeps in the stern during the sea crossing, and the sleep is described
as deep, sweet, and almost deathlike.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
confidence: medium
cautions: The description invites a liminal reading, but the passage itself presents
it literally as sleep.
- id: motif:5
label: Sacred cave with mortal and divine entrances
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The Naiad cavern has one entrance by which mortals can descend and another,
mysterious entrance that is the way taken by gods.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
confidence: high
cautions: No specific available motif-family taxonomy directly names this cave-boundary
pattern.
- id: motif:6
label: Sheltered harbor as arrival threshold
taxonomy_refs:
- return
basis: The ship reaches Ithaca at dawn and the harbor is described as enclosed and
protected from storms.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
confidence: medium
cautions: The threshold function is inferred from placement in the return scene;
the passage mainly gives topographical description.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 5712-5716
quote_or_summary: Ulysses says he was carried nine days and stranded on Ogygia,
where Calypso dwells; she took him in and was kind.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 5725-5737
quote_or_summary: Alcinous notes the guest's packed gifts of clothing, gold, and
valuables and proposes additional tripods and cauldrons from the Phaeacians.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 5739-5745
quote_or_summary: At dawn the Phaeacians bring cauldrons to the ship, Alcinous checks
the stowage, and he sacrifices a bull in honor of Jove.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 5745-5753
quote_or_summary: After dinner Demodocus sings, while Ulysses watches the sun and
longs for departure as sunset approaches.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: 5754-5764
quote_or_summary: Ulysses bids farewell, asks for drink-offerings, thanks the Phaeacians
for escort and gifts, and wishes peace and good fortune to their households and
people.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 5766-5782
quote_or_summary: Alcinous orders Pontonous to mix wine for prayer to father Jove;
the people make drink-offerings, and Ulysses places the double cup in Arete's
hands and bids her farewell.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 5784-5794
quote_or_summary: Ulysses crosses the threshold; Alcinous sends a guide, Arete sends
maidservants with clothing, a strong box, corn, and wine, and the crew puts these
and other provisions aboard.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 5794-5806
quote_or_summary: A rug and linen sheet are spread for Ulysses in the stern; the
crew loosens the ship and rows out, while Ulysses falls into a deep, sweet, almost
deathlike sleep; the ship travels swiftly over dark blue water.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: 5807-5810
quote_or_summary: At the appearance of the bright star before dawn, the ship draws
near land.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: 5810-5814
quote_or_summary: In Ithaca is the haven of the old merman Phorcys, enclosed by
two points that shelter ships from wind and sea.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: 5814-5817
quote_or_summary: At the head of the harbor are a large olive tree and a sacred
overarching cavern of the Naiads with stone bowls, wine-jars, bees, stone looms,
sea-purple robes, and water.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
- id: ev:12
type: summary
locator: '5817'
quote_or_summary: 'The cavern has two entrances: a northern one for mortals and
a southern, more mysterious one used by gods.'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/greek/project-gutenberg/odyssey-butler.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; summarized for extraction.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Literal extraction is strongly supported by the passage. Motif labels are
conservative and based on available taxonomy where possible. No cross-text comparison
claims were added because the supplied passage does not itself establish historical
or comparative links.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
Used only the supplied passage and metadata. Taxonomy references were limited to the provided lists when directly supported.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:greek-odyssey-butler-gutenberg__l5712-l5817
passage_sha256=6fe3817d60d580807ac805c0794668c9c71dda6b35e7d0abdc2a196db22d1c03