In The Odyssey, possibly one of the most prevalent epic conventions is the influence of the gods on the fate of humans. This is especially the case with Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and battle strategy (along with weaving, female arts, crafts, justice, skill, and the patron goddess of Athens) and her borderline obsession with Odysseus and Telemachus. Throughout the entire epic, Athena assumes various human forms and gives advice to these two characters, and sometimes takes indirect action to help Odysseus and Telemachus. For example, when Telemachus decides to set said to Pylos in Book 2 to seek news of his lost father.
"Then bright-eyed Pallas [Athena] thought of one more step.
Disguised as the prince, the goddess roamed through town,
pausing beside each likely crewman, giving orders:
'Gather beside our ship at nightfall--be there.'
She asked Noemon, Phronius' generous son,
to lend her a swift ship. He gladly volunteered."
~Page 105
"Then bright-eyed Pallas [Athena] thought of one last thing.
Back she went to King Odysseys' halls and there
she showered sweet oblivion over the suitors,
dazing them as they drank, knocking cups from hands.
....But calling the prince outside his timbered halls,
taking the build and voice of Mentor once again,
flashing-eyed Athena urged him on: 'Telemachus,
your comrades-at-arms are ready at the oars,
waiting for your command to launch. So come,
on with our voyage now, we're wasting time.'"
~Page 105-106
These two passages are some of the most evident examples of Athena's influence upon Telemachus. Not only does she assume various mortal guises (Mentor, Telemachus himself, etc.), but she also takes indirect action against the suitors, causing them to become inebriated, allowing Telemachus a night of peace from the suitors before he departs for Pylos.
Throughout the rest of the epic, Athena continues to assist Odysseus and Telemachus in their various quests. However, the many ordeals the two bypass with the help of Athena raises an important question: Why do the gods assist mere humans? Is it merely because the gods feel compassionate towards the plight of Odysseus and Telemachus, or is there a further cause behind the actions of the gods?
Although Athena is a great example of a goddess being compassionate,there are many vengeful gods who play opposing roles to Athena. An example of this is Cyclops, who doesn't fear the other gods and reaks havoc upon Odysseus and his crew. He was not a great host and did not give a hospitable arrival gift for Odysseus and his men. Instead, Homer wrote "snatching two at once, rapping them on the ground he knocked them like dead pups-their brains gushed out all over, soaker the floor- and ripping them limb from limb to fix his meal he bolted them down like a mountain-lion" (220). This is an example of how gods can be the opposite of compassionate towards mere mortals. He also tries to curse Odysseus by yelling to his father Poseidon and saying, "Grant that Odysseus, raider of cities, Laertes' son who makes his home in Ithica, never reaches home. Or if he's fated to see his poeple once again and reach his well-built house and his own native country, let him come home late and come a broken man- all shipmates lost" (228). Polyphemus is merciless in his rage against Odysseus, hoping he tortures a long and hard fate. Another god who feels hatred toward the mortal Odysseus is Poseidon. He says, "where he's fated to escape his noose of pain thats' held him until now. Still my hopes ride high- I'll give that man his swamping fill of ftrouble"( 161). Poseidon is filled with tons of hatred even after years of watching him suffer through the sea. His everlasting struggle is not enough for Poseidon which also shows a grave loss of compassion.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the connection between Poseidon & Zeus and the Cyclops? This information may begin to inform your comments.
ReplyDeletePoseidon, god of the sea, is the younger brother of Zeus, father of Polyphemus, enemy of Odysseus. The “sibling rivalry” between Zeus and his younger brother, might have something to do with degree of rage that Poseidon has towards Odysseus. Another family-related factor might be that Athena, who is his guide, moral supporter, and protector, is Poseidon’s niece. Poseidon is mad at Odysseus for two reasons: the first is because Odysseus blinded Poseidon’s son, the Cyclops, Polyphemus, and the second reason is because Zeus let Odysseus escape from Calypso.
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