Alcinous Name Meaning & Details

Alcinous occupies a crucial position in Greek cultural heritage as the embodiment of ideal kingship and hospitality in Homer's Odyssey. As ruler of the Phaeacians on the mythical island of Scheria, he represents the civilized world that stands in stark contrast to the monstrous realms Odysseus previously encountered. His court serves as the narrative pivot where Odysseus transitions from wandering hero to homeward-bound king, making Alcinous instrumental in the epic's resolution. The Phaeacian episode demonstrates the Greek ideal of xenia—the sacred bond between host and guest—with Alcinous exemplifying the virtues of wisdom, generosity, and respect for divine will.

Beyond his Homeric role, Alcinous became a cultural archetype of enlightened leadership in later Greek and Roman literature. His character influenced philosophical discussions about ideal governance and the responsibilities of rulers toward strangers and supplicants. The name Alcinous continued to appear in philosophical contexts, with several later writers and scholars adopting the name, further cementing its association with intellectual pursuit and cultural refinement. This dual legacy—as both mythological benefactor and philosophical figure—ensured Alcinous's enduring significance in Western cultural traditions.