Arete (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Queen Arete (Greek: Ἀρήτη Arêtê ) of Scheria was the wife of Alcinous and mother of Nausicaa and Laodamas. She welcomed Odysseus and treated him hospitably.. Her name appears to be associated with the Ionic noun ἀρητή, meaning "sacred", "cursed" or "prayed"; but it could also mean "excellence". Some sources claim that it means "righteous", while others connect it with Ares, the Greek god of war.

Arete is a descendent of Poseidon, who, making love to Periboia, begot Nausithoos, who had two sons, Rhexenor and Alkinoos. Rhexenor later spawned Arete with Apollo.

See also

• Alcinous
• Aretology
• Arete
• Virtue ethics

References