"And tell me your land, your people, your city too,
so our ships can sail you home – their wits will speed them there.
For we have no steersmen here among Phaeacia’s crews
or steering-oars that guide your common craft.
Our ships know in a flash their mates’ intentions,
know all ports of call and all the rich green fields.
With wings of the wind they cross the sea’s huge gulfs,
shrouded in mist and cloud – no fear in the world of foundering,
fatal shipwreck."
– Homer
The Odyssey, Book 8, lines 623-631. King Alcinous personifies the magical ships in his fleet, as he offers one of them to take Odysseus and his men home. Alcinous suggests that his ships have minds of their own, can read the intentions of their crew, and know all the ports of call. The gift of the ship is an example of the extraordinary hospitality offered to Odysseus when he lands on the island of the Phaeacians. Hospitality is one of the most important themes in The Odyssey.