Throughout Odysseus' many adventures in his efforts to return home to Ithaca, Homer describes many various cultures that his title character meets along the way. Though many of these cultures could be identified as subcultures of the Greek world, each has unique qualities that separate it from the other cultures. Chief among these qualities is the set of values and morals that serve to define a culture's viewpoint toward life. This is no different in regards to the Phaeacian society on whose land Odysseus washes ashore after leaving Calypso's Island. The Phaeacian value system is aligned to support the society's seafaring nature and love of the sea. As a result, the system of values rotates around the Golden Rule, "Treat others as you want others to treat you."
             When Odysseus first washes ashore in Phaeacia, he is in a disheveled state, much resembling that of a beggar, and his initial encounter with Nausicca relates this through is humility before Nausicca in asking for clothing: "Here I am at your mercy, princess - . . . But if you're one of the mortals . . . three times blest are your father, your queenly mother," (bk 6 ln 163-9). However, Nausicca who understands her people's dependence on sea travel and hospitality, yet is skeptical of a man who approaches young maidens without clothing, devises a test of Odysseus' true intentions without showing disrespect. She offers Odysseus her maids' aid in his bathing and the remainder of the olive oil. Odysseus graciously accepts her offer, however he shows further respect for Nausicca by asking the maids to turn aside as he bathes himself. "Stand where you are, girls, a good way off, . . . But I won't bathe in front of you. I would be embarrassed - stark naked before young girls with beautiful braids" (bk 6 ln 241-6). Odysseus' partial refusal of Nausicca's offer coupled with her favorable reaction identifies Phaeacian society's value of hospitality and modesty especially be...