ROLE OF GODS AND GODDESSES

The OdysseyChapters 1-4

Olympian Gods in Chapters 1-4

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.

Role of Athena

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.

Role of AthenaHow it affected story

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.

Role of Poseidon

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.

Role of PoseidonHow it Effected Story

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.

Role of Zeus

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.

Role of ZeusHow it Effected Story

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.

How are God’s and Godesses like and unlike Humans?

Like: They both can hold hate

and compassion.

They both have strengths and weaknesses.

Gods can look like Humans

Both can have brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers etc . . .

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.

Role of Gods and Godesses:Good or Bad?

Good:

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.

Bad:

Poseidon is preventing Odysseus from returning home to Ithica, for what he did to Polyphemos.

This is hurting Penelopeia, and Telemachos.

Conclusion

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.