Athena’s Role in The Odyssey

The Role of Athena in The Odyssey

The Odyssey, that famous epic poem by Homer, gives us the saga of Odysseus and his epic struggle to get back home after the Trojan War. You know who's always got his back? Athena, the goddess who pretty much becomes his guiding light. So, why's Athena helping Odysseus out all the time? Well, this essay dives into it — her being a protector, a mentor, and an advocate for him. By checking out how she helps him in key parts of the story, we start seeing why her support is so darn important for the whole plot.

Protective Role of Athena

Athena's got this real protective side when it comes to Odysseus. She's all about wisdom and strategy, so she really appreciates Odysseus' smarts and guts. Back in Book 1, Athena's talking to Zeus about getting Odysseus off Calypso’s island where he's been stuck forever. She says something like, "But my own heart is broken for Odysseus..." (Homer). It’s clear she really cares about him and wants to keep him safe.

And it’s not just about keeping him physically safe. She also looks out for his reputation. Like in Book 13 when he sneaks into Ithaca dressed as a beggar, she throws this mist over him so nobody recognizes him. This way, he can see what’s going on with his people without blowing his cover as a smart ruler. It's kinda cool how she's protecting his image and authority at the same time.

Athena as Mentor

Besides being protective, Athena steps up as a mentor too. With her vast knowledge and strategic thinking, she helps Odysseus with all sorts of advice along the way. In Book 13 again, she tells him to keep that beggar disguise to gather intel on what's happening back home. She says something like, "But come, listen to me," giving him practical advice but also boosting his confidence.

She’s not just about practical stuff either; she’s emotionally supportive too. Like in Book 5 when Odysseus is washed up after escaping from Calypso’s island – Athena shows up in a dream telling him he’ll make it home someday soon. Her words give him strength when he's pretty much at rock bottom.

Athena as Advocate

Athena doesn’t stop there; she's an advocate for Odysseus too! Check out Book 22 during that intense battle against the suitors – Athena gives Odysseus supernatural strength and sharpens his mind so he can win easily (Homer). It shows how committed she is to helping him succeed against overwhelming odds.

She's also got this influence over other characters; like when she disguises herself as Mentor (no pun intended) encouraging Telemachus—Odysseus' son—to go find news about dad in Book 2 which leads eventually bringing them back together! This advocacy plays such crucial role restoring everything back how they should be: family reunited once more!

Conclusion

So there you have it—Athena’s roles are multi-faceted indeed: protectorate force keeping our hero safe both physically AND reputationally; wise mentor offering guidance through thick n’ thin; powerful advocate tilting scales favorably toward triumphs awaiting ahead!

Bibliography

1. Homer. The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Books,1996.
2. Lattimore,R., translator.The Odyssey Of Homer.Harper Perennial Modern Classics Edition.,2007

.

3. Fitzgerald,R.,translator.Homer-TheOdyssey.Farrar,Strauss&Giroux ,1998

.

Keep in mind:
This is only a sample.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Get custom essay
4. Pope,A.,editor.(2018)Homer 's TheOdyssey.W.W Norton&Company Ltd,(SecondEdition).

.