Most Influential Gods And Goddesses In Homer's Odyssey

“For rarely are sons similar to their fathers: most are worse, and a few are better than their4 fathers.” (Homer, The Odyssey). Odysseus was away from his home and his family in Ithaca for twenty years. He was leading the fight in the Trojan War for ten long years and he spent an additional ten years, making his way back home, after the victory over Troy. Odysseus was married to Queen Penelope and he was father to his son Prince Telemachus. (Odysseus) Odysseus had a long and difficult journey. He encountered many Gods and Goddesses along the way. Some wanted to help him, others wanted to kill him or at least prevent him from safely returning to his family in Ithaca. Three of the most influential Gods and Goddesses were Athena, the Goddess

(Greek Goddess Athena) This occurred after Zeus developed a “strong pain in his head.” (Greek Goddess Athena) According to legend, Athena was born in southern Greece. “Athena was said to be a fierce and ruthless leader.” (Athena • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Athena) “Athena assisted Odysseus with divine powers throughout the Odyssey.” (Greek Goddess Athena) Athena presented herself to Odysseus many times and in different ways and forms. She was a “mentor”, strengthening him and also appeared as a “tall woman.” (Homer, The Odyssey) Athena helped Odysseus return home, after being away from Ithaca for about twenty years. (Greek Goddess Athena) When Odysseus finally found his way home to Ithaca, Athena protected him by disguising him as a beggar. (Greek Goddess Athena) After Odysseus “shot an arrow through twelve ax handles and killed all of the suitors”, (Sparknotes) Athena changed him, from a beggar, back into Odysseus. Athena was known to give Odysseus strength. This strength helped him to change the situation by his self, instead of relying on Athena. (Greek Goddess Athena) Polyphemus also crossed paths with Odysseus on his journey home, but under much different circumstances.

It is said that Polyphemus lived on the island of Sicily. (Polyphemus) Odysseus met him while he was on his journey home. He came across an island. He and twelve of his men disembarked the ship and explored the island. During their explorations of the island, they noticed a very large cave and decided to go inside. After Odysseus and his men finish cave exploring, they ate Polyphemus’ food and drank Odysseus’ wine. Although it was customary, in case you were entertaining a God or Goddess, to offer guests the best wine and food, Polyphemus was angered by the group. (Polyphemus) He placed an incredibly large bolder in front of the cave door to trap them and to keep his sheep inside. Odysseus continued to share his wine with the angry Cyclops. After drinking the wine, Polyphemus asked Odysseus’ name. Odysseus said that his name was nobody. (Polyphemus) Polyphemus stated that he would eat Nobody last. Polyphemus continued to drink more wine and eventually fell asleep. Once Polyphemus fell asleep, Odysseus started to think about murdering him. He then realized that he would need the cyclops alive. He would need to trick him into moving the large rock. (Polyphemus) Odysseus found a club in the cave and all the men worked together to sharpen the club. Odysseus heated the club and stabbed Polyphemus in the eye and blinded him. The men then tied sheep together