Divine Intervention Athenas Role in The Odyssey Essay

Divine intervention is often an integral part of ancient epic poetry as seen in Homers The Odyssey. The role of the goddess Athena was an essential part of Odysseuss journey back to Ithaka. Athena also played a vital part in Telemakhoss life before the return of his father. Even Penelope is impacted by the help of the grey-eyed goddess, often inspiring Penelope to hold off the suitors as well as putting her to sleep when a situation became too difficult. Athena demonstrates that she is a critical component of development within the father Odysseus and his son Telemakhos as well as guiding Penelope as a beautiful mother waiting for the return of her husband. In The Odyssey, Athena has an extensive and caring relationship with†¦show more content†¦As Athena guides him to the palace, she warns him about what he must avoid in order to be safe in that neighborhood. She also slips in some advice that he may use in his future endeavors to get home, asserting that a cheerful man does best in every enterprise-even a stranger. The reader is again reminded of the incredible relationship between Athena and Odysseus in book VIII when Odysseus is speaking with Demodokos about the battle of Troy and Odysseus asks him to shift [his] theme, and sing that wooden horse Epeios built, inspired by Athena. As the minstrel recalls how Odysseus came like Ares to the door of Deiphobos, with Menolaos, and bred the desperate fight there- conquering once more by Athenas power the victory at Troy is again attributed to Athenas role in facilitating Odysseus in the victory. When Athena leads Odysseus back to an Ithaka that he no longer recognizes, she again poured a grey mist all around him because she wanted him to be incognito while she informed him of the situation of the suitors and until the suitors paid up for their crimes. She wanted to protect him from the people who would suffer for his return until a plan had been formulated to seek revenge. Athena also disguises herself as a sheperd boy and talks with Odysseus. However, sheShow MoreRelatedAthena, The Goddess Of Wisdom And Strategy965 Words   |  4 PagesAthena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, plays an intriguing role throughout The Odyssey. An example of this role is specifically shown in Book 19, as she is present with Odysseus and Telemachus in the halls. In this scene, Athena is shown holding a golden lamp in front of Telemachus and Odysseus as they walk the halls. Odysseus is able to see Athena is holding the lamp. However, Telemachus cannot see her and is bedazzled by the gol den radiance and glow. As Homer states, Odysseus and his princelyRead MoreDivine intervention dealing with Greek myths, especially The Odyssey and The Iliad.1474 Words   |  6 PagesDivine intervention is a feature of ancient Greek literature. 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