Athena's Wisdom In The Odyssey

Wisdom is something that we all wish to possess. When compared to knowledge, wisdom is more extensive. It is the combination of knowledge, skill, and experience. Athena is the goddess of wisdom and good counsel. Throughout “The Odyssey”, Athena serves as a protector and counselor for Odysseus and Telemachus. Matter of fact, she is the primary reason for Telemachus’ growth and maturity throughout the poem. Book one is title ‘Athena Inspires the Prince’ because she uses her wisdom to get him to do the unthinkable. Odysseus is greatly favored by Athena, and it is shown in her countless attempts to get him home. Not only does she use her own wisdom to help him, but she equips him and his son with the right amount of wisdom to complete their journeys. As Odysseus makes his way home, he encounters many obstacles that prevent him from doing so. He is trapped on Calypso’s island, and she offers him the gift immortality. He rejects her offer to stay true to his identity of a hero. Accepting her offer would have …show more content…
As Telemachus and Odysseus carry out their plan for revenge against the suitors, Athena is there helping string everything together. She lights the room so that they can see as they disarm the palace. Odysseus is having a heartfelt conversation with his wife, Penelope, who is not aware that he is actually her husband. Later on, a nurse recognizes a scar on his foot and identifies him as Odysseus. Athena then distracts Penelope so that the plan stays intact. In book twenty, Odysseus begins to doubt his son because he knows that he was not raised properly. During this time, Athena uses her wisdom to get his doubts to fade. She tell him, “I am the goddess who guarded you in all your trial to the last (20:51).” There is no doubt in her mind that they will not succeed, and this helps to ease his fears. She knows that with him thinking with a clear heart and mind they will be destined for