The Argonautica · Character
Alcinous
The Phaeacian king who must rule on whether a foreign woman belongs to her father or her husband—and knows the answer will echo.
supporting
Also known as Alkinoüs
First appearance: book iv
As a supporting figure in The Argonautica, Alcinous is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
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Alcinous receives the Argonauts and the Colchian fleet on his island and finds himself arbiter of a case no one wants to judge: is Medea a fugitive daughter or a wedded wife? He is a just, hospitable king, but his…
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See Alcinous in book ivCharacter Web
7 connectionsA slice of how Alcinous sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Extended cast and secondary figures
- Central figures and patrons
- Minor Argonauts and allies
+2 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Breaking point
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Medea reaches an emotional and psychological peak of terror and…
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