Examples Of Personal Insights In The Odyssey

In the Odyssey, Homer uses juxtaposition to characterize Telemachus as a Greek ideal, imagery to connect to the cultural themes of disguise and hospitality, and repetition to enforce the idea that gods were a powerful force in everyday lives. When Athena first comes down to the mortal world and goes to Telemachus’ house, “first by far to see her was Prince Telemachus/sitting among the suitors, heart obsessed with grief.” This image contrasts the boisterous, rowdy crowd of suitors against the quiet, pensive and attentive host Telemachus. As the suitors take advantage of Telemachus’ hospitality and good grace, Telemachus continues to be a gracious host by noticing the stranger at the door and inviting her in, unaware that she was a god in disguise.

Athena first addresses Apollo's argument of the superiority of paternity, but she allows compromise by never fully admitting that Clytemnestra's murder was morally justified. Initially, Athena announces, "I approve the male in all things...

The clear-eyed goddess Athena herself tells Telemachus that "…not unbefriended of the gods have you been born and bred" (19). Her reference highlights Telemachus’ greatest inheritance, which is the aid of the immortal gods. Even Nestor, a mortal, notes the aid which Telemachus receives from the gods, and marvels that Telemachus must be truly favored "…if when so young the gods become [his] guides" (26). Such qualities in Telemachus constantly remind the reader of the dependence on the gods’ aid Odysseus has developed in his travels.

    Long-tried royal Odysseus is tested for devotion and trust through the absence of his loved ones. His character can be seen through the actions and voice of his very own son Telemachus. Since Telemachus and Odysseus have been away from each other

Athena was the Greek Goddess of many ideas, but she was famous mostly for her superior wisdom, her cunning skills in times of war, and her implausible talent for household tasks, such as weaving and pottery. She was celebrated more than any other God in ancient mythology, was the supposed inventor of countless innovations, and her figure gave reason for Greek woman to gain rights long before others of their time. The goddess of war, the guardian of Athens, and the defender of Heroes; Athena’s impact on the lives of Ancient Greeks is outstanding.

Focus on the descriptions of the palaces of Nestor and Menelaus. Find quotations that describe their virtues:

have died. This is just one example of the many times Athena has helped Odysseus, showing us

Athena assures Odysseus that her plans are successful and that Telémakhos will not meet the same fate. Odysseus shows no signs of hesitation at this point and Athena goes on with the transformation. In this instance, Odysseus overcomes his pride in an instance to gain an opportunity to finally be with his

Next, Homer generates a hopeful mood by adding divine interventions, specifically by grey-eyed Athena. Athena, disguised as

The theme of awakening is shown when Telemachos initiates the call of Council. It can be seen as the awakening of his command and authority, as well as possibly the awakening of his manhood and maturation. The theme of relationship of man to gods is shown when Zeus sends an omen of two eagles towards the assembly where Telemachos was located and when Athena drives Telemachos onward after he sends her a prayer.

Furthermore, hoards of courage and confidence are vital to even be willing to attempt such daunting endeavors. The prospect of defending a home from over one hundred despicable suitors and living with cordial virtue seem insurmountable to the eyes of young Telemachos. Telemachos hardly knows the potential for greatness that lies within as he has never witnessed the example of his godlike father Odysseus. The goddess Athene seeks to inspire confidence in the young Telemachos through a connection to his lost father: “but she left in his spirit / determination and courage, and he remembered his father / even more than he had before… / and his heart was full of wonder, for he thought it was a divinity” (35, 321-323). Telemachos is infused with the vigor of his father and surges with a spirit of conviction in himself. Menelaos furthers this cause with a detailed comparison between father and son, “ My heart tells me / to speak, for I think I never saw such a likeness, neither / in man nor woman, and wonder takes me as I look on him, / as this man has a likeness to the son of the great-hearted Odysseus”(68-69, 140-144). Menelaos confirms Telemachos’s heredity and give credence to the arete found within his bloodline to Odysseus. Menelaos continues, “I could not tell you all the number nor could I name them, / all that make up the exploits of enduring

Goddesses may help less able heroes in battle by removing them from the field, or disguising them. Aphrodite rescues Paris [p74] and Aeneas [p100] from the field when they are having difficulties. Goddesses physically influence the weapons being used in battle. In the case of Pandarus breaking the truce between the two sides, Athene stops the arrow fired at from being fatal by deflecting it. Another means by which goddesses help humans is by making people appear more fearful or more beautiful. When Achilles ventures out to the Greek wall in Book 18 [p342] to raise a battle cry, he is joined by Athene, and together they terrify the Trojans.

She did not approve, but sought to set an example for gods, goddesses, and mortals alike and stayed in he role as Zeus’ wife. It addressed there being seven gods and five goddesses, and how this was unfair in terms of issues related to women because they would always be outvoted. The positions of the other gods and goddesses were also described, including The Greeks were able to learn about the role of each god and goddess and what role they took in impacting the world around them. It also demonstrated that there was a hierarchy that must be respected among the gods and goddesses; not only should mortals understand and respect this in the heavens, but they should respect the hierarchy within their mortal society as well and submit to it, even it those at the top are not always perfect. The story also reminded the average man that though the gods and goddesses had their own lives to deal with, they were always above, watching over what was happening

The deity I’ve chosen for this project is the goddess ‘Athena’. ‘Athena’ has known as a god of various characters. According to the Greek mythology, he has believed as the god of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, mathematics, strength, war strategy, the arts, craft and skills (*1). Usually, Athena has delineated with a crown headed, calm and quiet woman. He has depicted as a discreet comrade of heroes as well. She was a virgin goddess and daughter of Zeus (*2). The capital city of Athens is related to her name ‘Athena’. She fought with Poseidon. Athena won against him and had created the olive tree. The Athenians were glad for her and named the city, according to her name (*3).

“…Athena has inveigled me; death is now indeed exceedingly near at hand and there is no way out of it--for so Zeus and his son Apollo the far-darter have willed it, though heretofore they have been ever ready to protect me. My doom has come upon me; let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.”