The Gods Role In Homer's Odyssey

The gods play major and many roles throughout Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey, written by Homer. They intervene with Odysseus’ journey throughout the epic, whether the impact is positive or negative. This affects what challenges Odysseus’ would have had to face on his own, or how much his journey time is extended or decreased. Overall, the gods had the most power and control over how easy or difficult his journey and the challenges he faced were. However the gods get involved leads his journey to being made both harder and easier, depending on his relationship with the god. Athena’s help in Odysseus’ voyage makes mostly a positive impact, easing out some challenges he would have to face. On his way toward the Phaeacian city, Athena disguises herself and helps Odysseus in secret. “Pallas Athena, harboring kindness for the hero, drifted a heavy mist around him, shielding him…” (7.16) Athena is often written as a safe haven for Odysseus. Here, Athena takes a liking to Odysseus, and decides to protect him from anyone who might recognize him as an outsider and harass him. This shortens the amount of time he would spend traveling to the palace and getting help, …show more content…
One example of Poseidon's advances, “...the earthquake god with one flat stroke of his hand struck her [the ship] to stone, rooted her to the ocean floor…” (13.185) Poseidon’s rage and power is often expressed throughout the epic, and here Poseidon turns the ship Odysseus is aboard to stone, prolonging his journey and having him face additional braves than he would have to on his own. Poseidon’s actions come from his rage for Odysseus, and makes a promise to have Odysseus suffer long and hard before he could make it home. Poseidon chooses to focus attention on Odysseus, a mere mortal in an all powerful gods eyes. Poseidon puts it in his hands to fabricate a more so difficult and drawn out