Lillian Price Mrs. ML Delaney Honors English 1 27 March 2024 Representation of Greek gods in The Odyssey. In Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, Greek gods, and goddesses play important roles throughout the plot. They help and hinder Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca. The portrayal of the gods in The Odyssey impacts the reader’s experience by conveying what the ancient Greek expectations and norms were. Athena, Poseidon, and Calypso are representations of how the Greek deities impacted the narrative. They are examples of divine influence over mortals by affecting Odysseus' return. Calypso is a Greek nymph who acts as divine intervention in Odysseus' journey home. As one of the first challenges Odysseus encounters upon his departure from Troy, Calypso's …show more content…
The way she interacts with Odysseus and his son, Telemachus, shows these values. Athena is protective of Odysseus and supportive of his homecoming, convincing her father, Zeus, to release him from Calypso's captivity so that he can return to Ithaca. Also, Athena has Nausica, princess of the Phaeacians, assist Odysseus after his shipwreck. As a mentor to Telemachus, Athena provides the reader with a lesson on Greek life and values. This is shown in the custom of Xenia. Xenia is the ancient Greek custom of hospitality to strangers due to the possibility of them being disguised gods or goddesses like Athena herself. When she comes to Telemachus, he follows the custom of Xenia and invites her in for dinner, even though he does not know her. Over food and drink, regarding finding information about his father from Nestor King of Pylos, Athena gives Telemachus advice, “‘Dear boy, I see how big and tall you are. Be brave, and win yourself a lasting name.” (Homer 1.301-302) Telemachus' journey displays traits he shares with his father, such as courage and bravery, which were admired characteristics in ancient …show more content…
Poseidon is vengeful because Odysseus blinded his son, a cyclops named Polyphemus. Because of this, he makes Odysseus’ journey home increasingly difficult due to Odysseus traveling by sea. Throughout the narrative, Poseidon’s wrath towards Odysseus is shown as he unleashes storms and sea monsters to stop Odysseus' progress home. “‘...Lord Poseidon rages, unrelenting, because Odysseus destroyed the eye of godlike Polyphemus, his own son... The Lord of Earthquakes prevents Odysseus from reaching home...’” (Homer 1.67–70, 74–75) By having Poseidon hinder Odysseus’ journey, this effectively prolongs his return to Ithaca. Also, having Poseidon as an antagonist adds suspense and adventure to the story. Having Poseidon as a character in general gives the reader insight into the importance of not angering the gods during that period. Poseidon’s relationship with Odysseus exemplifies the relationship deities had with mortals. Mortals must not overstep, because if they do, the gods will put them back in their