One of the key concepts in Homer's The Odyssey is the link between the Ancient Greek gods and mortal men. Furthermore, Ancient Greek gods are highly unique in The Odyssey because they serve as guides for the characters in the story. For example, Athena served as Odysseus and Telemakhos's helper throughout their journeys. In essence, Odysseus overcomes his knack for falling into temptations and Telemakhos learns to fight for his rights and maintain proper oykos in the household while Odysseus was absent. Therefore, through the guidance and foresight of Athena, mortals such as Odysseus, and Telemakhos learn to overcome their weakness and achieve their goals of nostos and oykos.
Firstly, the relationship between Odysseus and Athena occurs …show more content…
At first, Telemakhos was a cowardly and timid boy who could not stand up to the suitor's destruction of his father's household. Also, Telemakhos' lack of authority was because he was not yet the kurious of his household in the absence of his father, and could not fight against the powerful and wealthy suitors. As a result, the suitors feasted on his cattle, slept with his maids, and rudely courted Penelope, who was Telemakhos' mother and Odysseus' wife. Furthermore, Telemakhos complains about his misfortune and weakness to the goddess of Athena who was disguised as Mentes son of Ankhialos at the time, by stating “Meanwhile they eat their way through all we have, and when they will, they can demolish me.”(Od.1.297-298). At this remark, Athena was disturbed and advised Telemakhos to “go abroad for news of your lost father”(Od.1.326) and promised him that after he completes his task, “it will be time to ponder concerning these contenders in your house, how you should kill them, outright or by guile.”(Od.1.340-343). After Athena's advice, she encouraged Telemahkos by putting a “new spirit into him... so that he marveled to himself divining that a god had been his guest.”(Od.1.370-373). Thereupon, Telemakhos underwent an immediate change, and boldly defended his mother from the suitors after Athena's departure by ordering them to leave. “At daybreak w shall sit down in assembly, and I shall tell you- take it as you will- you are to leave this hall.”(Od.1.422-424). Furthermore, Telemakhos' bravery stunned the suitors and even Antinoos, who was the rudest of all the suitors praised him by claiming “Telemakhos, no doubt the gods themselves are teaching you this high and mighty manner.”(Od.434-435). As a result, Telemakhos began to assert his position as the kurious of his household in the absence of his father. Additionally, Telemakhos, like his father Odysseus, must
Firstly, the relationship between Odysseus and Athena occurs …show more content…
At first, Telemakhos was a cowardly and timid boy who could not stand up to the suitor's destruction of his father's household. Also, Telemakhos' lack of authority was because he was not yet the kurious of his household in the absence of his father, and could not fight against the powerful and wealthy suitors. As a result, the suitors feasted on his cattle, slept with his maids, and rudely courted Penelope, who was Telemakhos' mother and Odysseus' wife. Furthermore, Telemakhos complains about his misfortune and weakness to the goddess of Athena who was disguised as Mentes son of Ankhialos at the time, by stating “Meanwhile they eat their way through all we have, and when they will, they can demolish me.”(Od.1.297-298). At this remark, Athena was disturbed and advised Telemakhos to “go abroad for news of your lost father”(Od.1.326) and promised him that after he completes his task, “it will be time to ponder concerning these contenders in your house, how you should kill them, outright or by guile.”(Od.1.340-343). After Athena's advice, she encouraged Telemahkos by putting a “new spirit into him... so that he marveled to himself divining that a god had been his guest.”(Od.1.370-373). Thereupon, Telemakhos underwent an immediate change, and boldly defended his mother from the suitors after Athena's departure by ordering them to leave. “At daybreak w shall sit down in assembly, and I shall tell you- take it as you will- you are to leave this hall.”(Od.1.422-424). Furthermore, Telemakhos' bravery stunned the suitors and even Antinoos, who was the rudest of all the suitors praised him by claiming “Telemakhos, no doubt the gods themselves are teaching you this high and mighty manner.”(Od.434-435). As a result, Telemakhos began to assert his position as the kurious of his household in the absence of his father. Additionally, Telemakhos, like his father Odysseus, must