Nausicaa

nau-sic'a-a, in the Odyssey, the daughter of Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians. After leaving Calypso's Isle on the raft which the nymph had aided him to build, Ulysses was overtaken by storm. His raft went to pieces, but he swam to shore. It happened that he reached land in the country of the Phaeacians. Athene had sent a dream to Nausicaa--a dream reminding her that the family washing needed to be done. So the princess accompanied by her maidens, and with the soiled clothing heaped in a wagon, which carried also a hearty luncheon for the party, set off for the river. After the washing was completed and spread to dry the maidens ate their luncheon and then indulged in a game of ball. This, by Athene's guidance, took place near the spot where Ulysses was resting from his long swim. And--still by Athene's plan--Nausicaa threw the ball into the water. All the maidens screamed at this and Ulysses was awakened. Then, of course, Nausicaa gave him food and clothing and led him to her father, who aided him to reach Ithaca, his own island, and thus ended his wanderings.