Arete (mythology)

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In Greek mythology, Queen Arete of Scheria was a queen of the Phaeacians, wife of Alcinous and mother of Nausicaa and Laodamas. She welcomed Odysseus and treated him hospitably. (See Odyssey VII,54, 66, 141, 233) The origin of her name ("unspeakable")seems to be disputed. It is associated with the Greek word meaning "to pray", but more likely means "excellence". Other sources say that it means "righteous", or connect it with Ares, Greek god of war.

Arete is also a descendent of Poseidon: Poseidon made love to Periboia who then bore Nausithoos, who had 2 sons: Rhexenor and Alkinoos. Rhexenor then had Arete with Apollo.