Athena, show me how to return.

Then, the goddess Athena, with her shining eyes, answered him. "If this is now the desire of the blessed gods, that wise Odysseus may return to his home, let Hermes, son of Zeus and Maia, messenger of the gods, first be sent to Ogygia. He shall quickly go to the nymph Calypso with a firm decree – that she allow unyielding Odysseus to return home. Meanwhile, I will go to Ithaca, and there I will stir up his son, filling his heart with courage. Let him summon the long-haired Achaeans to an assembly, and let him declare clearly to all the suitors: they are always slaughtering countless sheep and oxen. Send him to Sparta and sandy Pylos, to inquire about his beloved father's return, if there is anything to learn. And may he gain a good reputation among the people."

Simple Japanese

Athena proposes two methods. Hermes will go to the nymph on Ogygia Island and tell her of the gods' decision, instructing her to allow Odysseus to return home. Athena herself will go to Ithaca and encourage Odysseus's son. She will instruct the son to gather the suitors who are consuming the household livestock and have him confront them at a meeting, while also sending messengers to Sparta and Pylos to inquire about his father's whereabouts. In doing so, the son himself will gain a good reputation among the people.

Translation note:

• Hermes: The messenger of the gods. Athena suggests that he should be tasked with delivering a message from Odysseus to a nymph on the island of Ogygia.
• Ogygia Island: The island where Odysseus is staying. According to Athena's plan, Hermes will visit this place and convey the decision of the gods to the nymph who is keeping him there.
• Ithaca: Odysseus' homeland. Athena herself plans to go there and encourage his son, Telemachus.
• His son: Refers to Telemachus, Odysseus' son. Athena intends to have him hold a meeting with the suitors and make a declaration to them, and also send him on a journey to inquire about his father's whereabouts.
• The Suitors: The people who are staying in Odysseus' house and slaughtering livestock. Telemachus will announce at the assembly that they should stop their behavior.
• Sparta: One of the places where Telemachus goes to inquire about his father's return.
• Pylos: Another destination for Telemachus' journey, which is called a sandy land.
• Fame: The reputation and honor that young people gain among others. Athena also hopes that Telemachus' journey to find news of his father will bring him good fame.