Throughout Homers Odyssey, many characters require help or aid from one another throughout this epic. This is, however, especially seen through the interactions of the goddess Athena and the great Odysseus. Athenas help and caring for Odysseus is most likely due to the fact that there are many similar characteristics between them; from their personality and their traits, to their simple morals and what they stand for.
The relationship between Athena and Odysseus has been viewed in many different manors. Some choose to portray Athena as a mother figure towards Odysseus, because of the way she nurtures and supports him. Others view Odysseus and Athenas relationship more as a marriage; however I feel this is too much of a stretch because of the lack of supporting evidence and no true intimacy between the two throughout the epic. I picture the relationship between Odysseus and Athena as more of a very strong friendship or very close siblings; A relationship where each person relies on the other as they strengthen and grow throughout the poem. The question does still exist, however, if Athena physically appears before Odysseus, or if she is simply an enigma of his imagination. Whether this is true or not, I feel it has no real relevance. This would not change their relationship at all, because they have such a strong bond. In book thirteen, it is even more evident of how Athena thinks of Odysseus when she says, Whoever gets around you must be sharp and guileful as a snake; even a god might bow to you in ways of dissimulation. Here we find that not only does Athena adore Odysseus, but she also thinks of him as an equal, a god among gods. This is why they are able to relate to each other so well and why Athena continually offers him her help. I believe that Athena sees herself in Odysseus; her wisdom, her cunning, and her will and strength. In book three, which I read online since it is left out from Nortons Anthology, we learn that Athena pleads to her father Zeus to let her aid Odysseus through his quest; she even exclaims in this book that my heart is broken for him.
Throughout each book, Athenas role seems to become greater and greater, playing a larger role from the first book until the last. The significance of Athena interfering in Odysseus life is huge. Gods and goddesses commonly interacted with mortals in Greek and Roman times, but Athena went far beyond the casual interface that existed between Gods and mortals. I find this significant because this epic poem inspired works such as the Aneid and many other stories and poems that incorporate the same theme as in the Odyssey where the Gods play a much larger role. The question still exists, however, which is why does Athena go as far as she does and why does she help Odysseus to this extent. This is vaguely explained by Athena in book thirteen, line 350, where she tells Odysseus, Two of a kind, we are, contrivers, both. Of all men now alive you are the best in plots and storytelling. My own fame is for wisdom among the gods. From this quote, it would appear that Athena thinks of Odysseus as a modern day celebrity and practically worships him. She acts as though he was her brother and it feels like she wants very badly for him to be a god so that she would have somebody relatable to spend her time with. This does not mean that she doesnt put her entire effort into helping Odysseus return to his wife and son. We know that Athena has been and will always be there for Odysseus to guide and help him return home. She tells him in book thirteen, I that am always with you in times of trial, a shield to you in battle, I who made the Phaikians befriend you, to a man? Now I am here again to counsel with you. One instance where Athena helps Odysseus return home comes in book eight where Athena enhances Odysseus appearance. She does this so that he will become more appealing and desirable when seen by Princess Nausicaa after he was washed up on the shore. This is only one of the many times that Athena has helped return home to Ithica. I strongly believe that without Athenas help, Odysseus would have never seen his native land again. He would still be stuck on the island with Calypso, and would most likely remain there the remainder of his life.
Odysseus is extremely grateful for all of Athenas help throughout his journey, however, it seemed as if he displayed it in an odd way, yet it was exactly what Athena expected. Once Odysseus had finally returned to Ithica, he exclaimed to Athena, I cannot believe that I have come to Ithica. It is some other land. You made that speech only to mock me. Athena would expect no answer but this from Odysseus. This is the reason why she continually helps him. Odysseus does not simply go along with what people tell him too. He is very wise and is always on alert. Athena would not help any random fool that she crossed paths with. Athena cares for Odysseus to such an extent that she not only provides help for him, but also for his son Telemachus. She warns Telemachus about the suitors plan to ambush him on his way back home, intervening to the extent to where that could have saved his life. Athena intervenes one last time near the end of this epic when Odysseus is about to kill all of the suitors in book eighteen. Athena stood nearby to give him bulk and power, assisting Odysseus in killing every suitor that has unwelcomely forced themselves into his house and onto his wife. All of this help, and from a goddess no less, seems astounding to me. I picture Odysseus as the brother that Athena never had in the sense of someone to love and care about; someone who shares the same skills, intellect, and passion, with the ability to execute them in such a manner that he does.
A relationship between a mortal and a god to this degree is extremely rare. However, Odysseus is much greater than the average mortal, and Athena is much more compassionate than that of the average goddess. The connection that the two share is what makes this epic tale as great as it is.
Works Cited
Kerestes, A.. Athena's Role in Homer. 30 Mar. 2000. 25 Feb. 2009
Tuhin, . Odyssey: Athena the Hero. 15 June 2008. 25 Feb. 2009
Mack, Maynard. The Norton Anthology: World Masterpieces. , 1956.
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