In books one through four, Odysseus is merely talked about and praised by others, but has yet to be introduced in person. The author waits to introduce him in the first four chapters, and rather begins with his son, Telemachus’s story, who has never known Odysseus. As Telemachus begins his quest for his father from Ithaka through Pylos and Sparta, it is clear by the people’s and the gods actions how Odysseus not only a beloved war hero, but also a respected leader necessary for peace to be restored in Ithaka.
Throughout the journey thus far, the gods have shown their love and faith for Odysseus through their relentless help with Telemachus in addition to their kind spoken words about him. Athena, the grey-eyed goddess of wisdom says, “But my own heart is broken for Odysseus, the mastermind of war”(3). Here she shows how deeply she cares for a man true to her heart. Above any other god, Athena connects to Odysseus’s story as she is the goddess of military victory as well as wisdom. The fact that she adds that he is the “mastermind of war” gives context as to why she has such a special place in her heart for him. Zeus also has kind words to say about Odysseus. It states, “There is no mortal has so wise; no mortal gave so much to the Lords of the Open Sky”(3). Zeus not only recognizes Odysseus’s wisdom but also his sacrifice for the people and consequently, the gods. He ruled Ithaka and saved the Akhaians in the Trojan war. Even after that, Odysseus continues to fight to come home to the Ithacans. Not even Zeus can ignore this man’s ruthless efforts for …show more content…
However, the strategic decision to wait to introduce Odysseus still adds suspense to the story, as well as mystery. The gods and the friends and family of Odysseus add to his legacy by raving of his cleverness, leadership, and courage, but Telemachus, as well as the reader, will have to wait and see for
Throughout the journey thus far, the gods have shown their love and faith for Odysseus through their relentless help with Telemachus in addition to their kind spoken words about him. Athena, the grey-eyed goddess of wisdom says, “But my own heart is broken for Odysseus, the mastermind of war”(3). Here she shows how deeply she cares for a man true to her heart. Above any other god, Athena connects to Odysseus’s story as she is the goddess of military victory as well as wisdom. The fact that she adds that he is the “mastermind of war” gives context as to why she has such a special place in her heart for him. Zeus also has kind words to say about Odysseus. It states, “There is no mortal has so wise; no mortal gave so much to the Lords of the Open Sky”(3). Zeus not only recognizes Odysseus’s wisdom but also his sacrifice for the people and consequently, the gods. He ruled Ithaka and saved the Akhaians in the Trojan war. Even after that, Odysseus continues to fight to come home to the Ithacans. Not even Zeus can ignore this man’s ruthless efforts for …show more content…
However, the strategic decision to wait to introduce Odysseus still adds suspense to the story, as well as mystery. The gods and the friends and family of Odysseus add to his legacy by raving of his cleverness, leadership, and courage, but Telemachus, as well as the reader, will have to wait and see for