A central power is present in every person’s life. For some it is money, for others it is their family, or a material object. Regardless of whatever it may be, a central power dictates every thought and action in a person. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is met with immense amount of trials and hurdles, but he endures them for only one goal: to get back home. As the story progresses, Odysseus ends up being successful in all this ventures. As the central pillar of Odysseus’ life, Athena guides Odysseus and his family to a life of happiness. Athena establishes herself as a main force in Odysseus's life by offering advice to him in desperate situations and disguising him to protect him from the dangers he encounters. When Odysseus returns back to Ithaka,
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Athena’s influence on them is impactful. When Penelope sees Odysseus sitting down after the battle with the suitors, she refuses to believe it is him. Thinking the gods have casted a mist across her and everyone else around her, she refuses to meet him. Telemakhos rebukes her by saying that she is very immature not to greet her husband, but Penelope reassures him that she will test Odysseus by their two secrets only know to them (XXIII.122-126). She later on tests Odysseus by asking Eurykleia, to move her and her husband’s bed which angers Odysseus. He shouts, “There is our packet and pledge, our secret sign, built into that bed…An old trunk of olive grew like a pillar on the building plot, and I laid outer bedroom round that tree…There’s our sign! (XXIII.213-228). The olive tree is one of Athena’s most important sign which signifies peace and respect. The tree in the center of their bedroom and as one of their bed posts shows that their love is centered and supported by Athena, since the tree is a representation of her. It symbolizes the respect they have for one another when Odysseus tells Penelope about his quests even about Kalypso’s island. She shows him respect by listening to the whole story and she trusting him. It also symbolizes peace when they are finally weeping in each other’s arms. Odysseus cries to Penelope. “Now from his breast into his eyes the ache of longing mounted, and he wept at last” (XXIII.259-260). After 20 years of being gone, his burden is finally lifted from his chest. Athena’s tree, their secret, proves to Penelope that is is her husband, and because of that very tree is what causes them to unite. His quest is over and he is at peace at
Athena’s influence on them is impactful. When Penelope sees Odysseus sitting down after the battle with the suitors, she refuses to believe it is him. Thinking the gods have casted a mist across her and everyone else around her, she refuses to meet him. Telemakhos rebukes her by saying that she is very immature not to greet her husband, but Penelope reassures him that she will test Odysseus by their two secrets only know to them (XXIII.122-126). She later on tests Odysseus by asking Eurykleia, to move her and her husband’s bed which angers Odysseus. He shouts, “There is our packet and pledge, our secret sign, built into that bed…An old trunk of olive grew like a pillar on the building plot, and I laid outer bedroom round that tree…There’s our sign! (XXIII.213-228). The olive tree is one of Athena’s most important sign which signifies peace and respect. The tree in the center of their bedroom and as one of their bed posts shows that their love is centered and supported by Athena, since the tree is a representation of her. It symbolizes the respect they have for one another when Odysseus tells Penelope about his quests even about Kalypso’s island. She shows him respect by listening to the whole story and she trusting him. It also symbolizes peace when they are finally weeping in each other’s arms. Odysseus cries to Penelope. “Now from his breast into his eyes the ache of longing mounted, and he wept at last” (XXIII.259-260). After 20 years of being gone, his burden is finally lifted from his chest. Athena’s tree, their secret, proves to Penelope that is is her husband, and because of that very tree is what causes them to unite. His quest is over and he is at peace at