Odessey

Gods of the Odyssey and How They Relate to Humans (Re-Write)

One of the strongest relationships present in Homer’s The Odyssey is the one between gods and human beings. The gods play the role of the judge and the humans play the role of the judged. The problem with this relationship is that the gods aren’t always in agreement with one another about what is just or unjust. Although for the most part the gods are indifferent towards human beings, there are some cases that transform their indifferences into genuine care and concern. A specific example demonstrating this kind of connection is Athena’s relationship with Odysseus and her desire for him to get back to Ithaca and get revenge on the suitors who have soiled the life he once knew. Athena strays from the majority and develops a connection with Odysseus by intervening in Odysseus’s, his family’s, and his friend’s lives in times of need and her direct involvement and constant presence is how she distinguishes herself from the general attitude of the gods. Most likely, she feels such a close bond to Odysseus because he shares many similarities with her, such as his love for adventure and trickery.

In Books II-III Athena aids Telémakhos with facing his problems with the suitors. Athena’s assistance not only helps Telémakhos gain support from his crew, but it also allows him to grow as a person. For example, while sailing on the ship it is said that Telémakhos has become “now strong in the magic” (pg. 31). Within a couple of hours she managed to transform him from an boy who was unable to face his insecurities and fear of the suitors, to a man, now in charge of a ship and crew, who is focused on facing and defeating his fears. Additionally, the reader is informed that Telémakhos left Ithaca without his mother even knowing that he left. Athena, however, is with him on this journey. Rather than playing the role of the omnipotent god who only acts as from afar, such as Zeus, she takes on a much more involved...