Greek Mythology

The epic poem The Odyssey centralizes around Odysseus, who has challenges getting home from the Trojan War. Throughout his voyage home some gods hinder his return home while others support him. In the Odyssey you see a man being broken down only to be rebuilt. If it was not for Athena or his wise spirit he probably never would have returned home.

After the Trojan War Odysseus begins his journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. During the journey Odysseus experiences several conflicting emotions, which can be attributed to the physical and mental agony that he encounters on his way home. Due to the aid of the gods Odysseus is able to return to his homeland after 20 years.

In Book 6, Odysseus lands on the shore of Phaecia. While in Phaecia, Athena sent Nausicaa to visit Odysseus. Nausicaa receives a dream from Athena to wash clothes in order to prepare for a marriage. Next, Athena makes Odysseus extremely handsome to bring Nausicaa and Odysseus together. Athena states “How so remiss, and yet thy mothers daughter? Leaving thy clothes uncared for, Nausikaa, when thou must have store a marriage linen, and put thy minstresly in wedding dress?” This is an example of a god helping Odysseus however I think Athena is not truly helping him in the situation because Odysseus true goal is to return to his wife Penelope and Ithaca. By attempting to have Odysseus and Nausikaa marry, Athena is hindering him from his return home.

Athena demonstrates that she wants Odysseus to return to Ithaca and push out the suitors in an exchange in Book 7. Athena had disguised herself as a little girl however Odysseus is not aware of this. Athena as the little girl then states “A cheerful man does best in every enterprise, even a stranger” (Book 7). During this exchange Athena pours a sea frog around Odysseus to protect him and direct him to how to return home.

In Book VII, King Alkinoos exhibits intent to assist Odysseus on his return to Ithaca. During the special meeting between Alkinoos and Odysseus a competition is held. Due to the fact the Odysseus is old and mature, he declines to participate in the competition however one of the kings men offends Odysseus. The king’s men proclaims “The reason being, as I see it, friend, you never learned a sport, and have no skill in any of the contests of fighting men? (Book 8). Odysseus decides to participate in a disc throwing competition which results in him breaking the record for disc throwing. Odysseus states ‘Anyone else for an edge for competition try me now’(Book 8). By Odysseus feeling he had to participate in the competition displays the fact that he still wants to prove himself and achieve glory. One would think that after his success in the Trojan War he would mature and realize there is more to life than kleos.

In Book 9, Odysseus participates in a battle with a creature called the Cyclops. During the battle, Odysseus displays his wise nature. Due to being