The Odyssey
Chapters 1-4
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Athena: The Goddess of Wisdom-often referred to as one of the more
strong, fair, and merciful gods. She is the daughter of Zeus, born
from a “splitting headache” where Zeus’s head split in two.
Unexpectedly, Athena pops out, fully grown, all dressed in golden
battle armor.
Poseidon: The God of the sea-often referred to as the cause of
hurricanes, rough sea’s, and even Earthquakes. He is the brother of
Zeus and Hades. He is known to be moody and unpredictable. It is
said, that on stormy days, if you look out to the crashing waves on
shore, you may see him with his trident, wading in the water.
Zeus: The King of the Gods, is often referred to as the God of the
sky. He has many sons and daughters, including Athena, Apollo,
Hermes, and Ares. Zeus is son to a Titan, who planned to eat Zeus,
but escaped. Zeus was known to be the reason behind
Thunderstorms (lighting), Drought, and Rain. It is believed that
whenever Zeus was mad, he would send down lighting bolts to
Earth.
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Athena disguises
herself as an old
friend of Odysseus,
Mentor. She tells him
that Odysseus is okay,
and that he should
look to find him in
Pylos and Sparta. She
also helps Odysseus
avoid a shipwreck at
Poseidon's hands.
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If Athena had not told Telemachos that Odysseus
is okay and to search for him, Telemachos would
have given up hope the Odysseus would ever
return, and one of the suitors would marry
Penelope and take Ithica.
If Athena had not saved Odysseus from certain
death at sea, the journey Telemachos made would
be useless, and Odysseus would be dead.
I believe Athena’s role is to save Odysseus,
because eventually Poseidon would kill him, one
of the suitors would take his place, and
Telemachos would have never met his father.
Athena is too good of a Goddess to ever let that
happen.
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Poseidon is very bitter
of Odysseus blinding
his Cyclops son,
Polyphemos. Because
of this, he makes it so
that Odysseus never
makes it home, or dies
trying. He uses help
from other Gods and
Goddesses, and his
power to control the
seas.
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Poseidon is out to get Odysseus, and wants to
make him suffer for what he did to Polyphemos.
Some Gods can be forgiving and merciful, but
Poseidon is stubborn, and wont give up on his
revenge on Odysseus.
If not for Poseidon, everything in the story would
be different. Odysseus would be home, no suitors
lobbying for Penelopeia’s love, and no journey
Telemachos would have to make.
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As the King of all Gods,
Zeus sometimes has to
look over every other
God’s actions. When
Odysseus was trapped at
Calypso’s island, he sent
out a message to Hermes,
telling her to let him go.
Also, when the suitors
refused to go, Zeus sent 2
fighting eagles over their
heads, symbolizing that if
they don’t leave soon,
their massacre would be
imminent.
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Zeus’s role in the story didn’t effect the mortals
life's as much as Poseidon and Athena’s actions
did. He did do a few things, including a fair
warning to the suitors to leave immediately, and a
rescue of Odysseus from Calypso.
Maybe farther into the book we will see his role
come into play more, but as of now, I think he is
keeping a close eye on what’s going on with
Odysseus and trying not to interfere much.
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Like:
They both can hold hate and
compassion.
They both have strengths
and weaknesses.
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Gods can look like Humans
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Both can have brothers and
sisters, fathers and mothers
etc . . .
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Different:
Gods and Godesses are
immortal, Humans are
mortal.
Emotions are displayed more
dramatically than Humans.
Gods can make themselves
look like animals.
Gods are worshiped,
Humans are the ones
worshiping.
Good:
Bad:
Athena is helping
Telemachos find
where his father is,
and is saving
Odysseus from
death. Zeus is
warning the suitors
to leave, and
rescuing Odysseus
from Calypso.
Poseidon is preventing
Odysseus from
returning home to
Ithica, for what he
did to Polyphemos.
This is hurting
Penelopeia, and
Telemachos.
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To what extent is Odysseus’s journey his own,
how much is determined by Gods and
Godesses?
Are the Gods “real”, or merely a way of
explanation.