Odyssey of Homer: Actions of the Gods - Essay Example

 Odyssey of Homer: Actions of the Gods Introduction Throughout a substantial amount of classic Greek literature, from Sophocles through Homer, there is a strong thematic concern with the interaction of the gods, fate and human existence. Constituting one of the early cornerstone elements of Greek and Western literature, the Odyssey of Homer is one of the preeminent examples of the literary integration of supernatural forces and the progress of human existence. Indeed, a great majority of the principle narrative developments are a direct result of the actions of the gods. Through an examination of the major narrative developments that are affected by the god’s, including Athena’s interventions with Telemachus, Zeus’ release of Odysseus from Calypso’s island, and the aid Athena and Ino supply Odyssey in escaping Poseidon’s storm, this essay show the various ways that the actions of the gods affect the characters of the Odyssey and how these god’s interventions affect the action of the Odyssey. Analysis One of the first instances of the god’s actions affecting the characters within the Odyssey occurs in Book I as the Godess Athena assumes the form of Odysseus trusted ally Mentes. Athena visits Telemachus and assures him that his father, Odysseus, is still alive and will, in a short period of time, return to Ithaca. Athena than suggests that Telemachus banish the suitors and that he should visit Sparta to attempt to collect any possible information he can about Odysseus’ return to Ithaca. Athena directly affects Telemachus in this regard, as after she leaves he sets out to confront his mother, Penelope, and then calls a meeting to inform the suitors that they are to leave the land of his father. He states, “I hold the reins of power in this house” (I.414). Although two of the suitors object to Telemachus’ request, the instant nonetheless is significant in that it constitutes the initial instance wherein the god’s interfere in the story. In Book II Athena continues her interference in the lives of the characters within the Odyssey, this time more directly effecting events. After Telemachus speaks to the suitors and receives a number of objections on the grounds that Penelope is complicit in seducing the men that live on the property, Athena appears in the form of Mentor and assures Telemachus that his journey to Sparta will be beneficial in discovering the truth of his father’s whereabouts. Athena then takes the form of Telemachus and gathers the necessary men and supplies for the real Telemachus’ future journey. As Mentor, she then tells Telemachus, “’Telemachus," said she, "the men are on board and at their oars, waiting for you to give your orders, so make haste and let us be off’” (II.284) In this instance, the goddess Athena has even more substantially altered the course of events as she has not only supplied advice, but has directly altered events through procuring events and supplies. In Book III the goddess Athena continues to influence the characters and the events of the Odyssey. Continuing to take the form of Odysseus’ friend Mentor, Athena encourages Telemachus to approach the king at Pylos, Nestor, to ask information about Odysseus’ whereabouts. When Telemachus questions what he will say, Mentor (Athena) replies, “Some of the words you'll find within yourself, the rest some power will inspire you to say” (III. 29). While this line directly refers to the particular situation, it also functions as a line that indicates one of the central themes of the Odyssey, namely the interference of the god’s within the narrative action. Even as Telemachus’ conversation with Nestor doesn’t reveal any direct information, it does alter the action of the narrative as Nestor’s son Pisistratus accompanies Telemachus on his journey. One of the most significant examples of the god’s affecting the characters and narrative within the Odyssey occurs in Book V. In this book the God’s call a meeting on Mount Olympus to discuss the fate of Odysseus. At the behest of Athena, the God’s led by Zeus decide that Odysseus should be released from Calypso’s island. Hermes instructs Calypso of the God’s decision and at first receives an objection. Calypso states that while the male god’s are allowed to take female lovers, the female god’s are frustrated in their actions. Ultimately, however, Calypso relents and states, "But since there is no way for another god to thwart the will of storming Zeus and make it come to nothing, let the man go" (V.153). This is a substantial plot element as Odysseus is the central character in Homer’s epic. In interfering in Calypso’s affairs, the God Zeus’ actions, at the goddess Athena’s behest, constitutes not only one of the most substantial instances of divine intervention witnessed throughout the epic, but also constitutes one of the key plot elements in the story. After Odysseus is released from Calypso’s island she aids him in procuring a boat and stocks it with the necessary supplies. Odysseus then embarks on his journey away from Calypso’s island. Not long after his journey begins, the goddess Poseidon recognizes that he has been released from the island. He objects to Odysseus’ release and sets about creating a large storm in an effort to destroy his boat and destroy his journey home. Realizing that Poseidon has set about to destroy Odysseus’ path, the god Ino supplies Odysseus with a veil. After Poseidon’s storm destroys Odysseus’ boat, the veil that Ino has supplied keeps him safe from danger. The goddess Athena also supplies Odysseus aid in escaping danger in this situation. In Book VI Athena further intervenes in Odysseus’ journey. She appears in a dream to the Phaeacian princess Nausicaa. Athena takes the shape of Nausicaa’s friend and tells the young princess to go to the water the next day and wash her clothes. Athena’s intentions in this request are to make it so that when Odysseus encounters her that next day she will be nude and attractive to him. Athena’s plan works and as Odysseus is walking along the beach the next day he comes across Nausicaa and is attracted to her and approaches her. Athena further interferes in the situation by making Odysseus appear exceptionally attractive. The text states, “Zeus's daughter Athena made him taller to all eyes,/ his build more massive now, and down from his brow/ she ran his curls like thick hyacinth clusters/ As a master craftsman washes/ gold over beaten silve” (VI.254-258). Upon encountering Nausicaa, Odysseus has a lengthy conversation with her. Ultimately she refuses to accompany Odysseus because she wishes not to be seen with a strange man, however she instructs him on the proper directions to the palace and tells him how to speak with Arete, queen of the Phaeacians. Again, the god’s interference in the actions of the characters, as evidenced in Athena’s intervention with Odysseus and Nausicaa’s encounter, constitutes a significant element in the narrative developments of the Odyssey. Conclusion In conclusion, the various ways that the actions of the gods affect the characters of the Odyssey and how these god’s interventions affect the action of the Odyssey are evident. These divine interventions on the parts of Athena, Zeus, and Poseidon constitute the substantial devices Homer uses to alter and advance the plot throughout his epic. This is important as it exemplifies ancient Greek society’s strong preoccupation with the power of the god’s in their daily lives. It is also significant as it constitutes a substantial plot device in the epic. Ultimately, without having a thorough understanding of the means of divine intervention, it is impossible to attain an in-depth understanding of the Odyssey of Homer. References Homer. (2010) The Odyssey. Penguin Classics. Read More