Similarities Between Odysseus And Abraham

Both Odysseus and Abraham were challenged with incredible tasks. Whether it was Odysseus's long journey back to his homeland, or Abraham's desire to continue the success of his people through establishing a great nation and producing many offspring, both Odysseus and Abraham eventually achieved in completing these tasks. However, their success could not have been achieved without some assistance. Odysseus was assisted by Athena as she protected him from all that crossed his path whether it was suitors, strangers, or even other gods. Abraham as well received assistance from God. For instance, God states “the one who curses you I will curse” (Gen.12:3), which depicts how God will curse any who may even try and belittle Abraham. As Odysseus …show more content…
The relationship between Odysseus and Athena, and between Abraham and God, are similar, as both Athena and God promise to protect their chosen individual. Athena maintains protection and remains physically close to Odysseus even until the very end of his journey. For instance, when Odysseus finally arrives to his homeland, believing he has been tricked by the Phaeacians, Athena, after being disguised, eventually reassures him that she “always stands beside [Odysseus], and shields [him] in every exploit” (Od.13.341-342). Furthermore, when Odysseus was daunted by the task of facing many suitors and those that may try and avenge them, Athena promises that she will “guard [him] in all [his] trials to the last.” (Od.20.50-51). God parallels Athena's statements when he mentions the first covenant to Abraham and reassures him to “not be afraid... I am your shield”. [Gen.15:1]. In both these cases, God and Athena are similar as they both are committed to protecting their chosen individual. However, even though these examples are parallel in the fact that a deity offers protection, the character of relationship between the deity and the individual is different. When Athena promises to guard Odysseus in all his trials, she includes both her and Odysseus. Athena states “even if fifty bands of mortal fighters closed around us, hot to kill us in battle, still you could drive [them] away.” (Od.20.54).” The pronoun “us” is clearly referring to Odysseus and Athena, thus suggesting the cooperative relationship between them where neither one has too much control over the other. On the other hand, when God promises the success of Abraham’s descendents by stating “I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve” (Gen.15:14), he also includes a command “you shall go to your ancestors” (Gen.15:15) which suggests the idea of a convenantal relationship, one in which requires Abraham's