In this book, the Phaeacians return Odysseus to Ithaca. He's fallen asleep on board, and so they pick him up and place him on shore, surrounded by all the treasure he's been given by the Phaeacian chiefs; then they set back off for their own home. Poseidon is angry at them for interfering because he wanted Odysseus to die while trying to reach his home because he is still angry about Odysseus blinding his son, Polyphemus, the Cyclops. Poseidon speaks with Zeus about wanting to punish the Phaeacians, and Zeus suggests that he wait until the ship has almost made it home; then, when everyone on shore can see, Poseidon should turn the ship to stone and make it sink. This will sadden and scare them, causing them to refrain from helping people like this in the future. This is what he does, and they, believing a prophecy has been fulfilled, vow to discontinue assisting others and they make a big sacrifice to Poseidon.
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