In The Odyssey, Athena is Odysseus’ patroness, who helps him to solve various difficulties. She advised him to see his wife and told him about suitors trying to steal her. When Odysseus arrived at Ithaca, he was in danger of attacking. To prevent that, she turned him into a beggar.
Detailed answer:
Athena is a goddess, a daughter of the supreme god Zeus. She is one of the leading acting characters in The Odyssey. The patroness of Odysseus and his son Telemachus, Athena, helps them throughout the whole poem. Her first gift is especially meaningful to the heroes. It impacts the entire story of The Odyssey. When Poseidon, whose son Odysseus has blinded, is absent, Athena talks to Zeus. She reminds her father of Odysseus’s misfortune. The goddess persuades him to allow the main character to return home. She insists on Odysseus meeting his family and reuniting with his son Telemachus.
Athena is sympathetic to Odysseus and his homesickness. The goddess is determined to help him in any way and by any means. Athena claims: “But my heart breaks for Odysseus, that seasoned veteran cursed by fate so long…”. She also inspires Telemachus to search for his missing father. He is determined to find out the truth about his destiny and location.
Her next step involves encouraging Telemachus to start a journey. The search for Odysseus took five books of The Odyssey. She sends Odysseus’s comrade, Mentes, to Telemachus. He understands the necessity to look for Odysseus. It gives hope to Telemachus that his father may be alive. Athena also provides Telemachus with some prompts on how to reach his aim. She says: “Fit out a ship with twenty oars, the best in sight and sail in a quest for your long lost father.”
Her help and direct assistance to Telemachus benefits the main character. She also convicts Zeus to send Hermes to Calypso’s island. It is a matter of extreme importance, as he insists on releasing Odysseus from the prison. This event cannot be accomplished without Athena’s interference. Her sincere willingness helps the main character. Athena instructs: “You are our messenger, Hermes, sent on our all missions. Announce to the nymph with the lovely braids our fixed decree: Odysseus journeys home-the exile must end.”
The goddess gives him strength and firmness to resist the forces he has to face. After returning to Ithaca, Odysseus learns that the suitors surround Penelope. As a returning king, he has to regain control over Ithaca. To do so, he has to fight her audacious and shameless bridegrooms. Athena supports Odysseus. The goddess assures the hero that he will not fail. She provides Telemachus with protection, as well. She helps him the moment the bridegrooms almost kill him for his condemnation for their disgraceful behavior. Also, Athena contributes to preventing civil war in Ithaca. The goddess helps to eliminate the leader of the suitors’ family. Then, she commands people to accept Odysseus as their ultimate king. She helps to stop aggression and restore peace.
This way, Athena appears to be a caretaker for Odysseus and his son Telemachus. She manages to gather a significant number of people around them. In such a way, she supports them. Athena uses all her powers and ties with gods to help Odysseus reach Ithaca. She patronizes his family. Athena uses any available and possible ways for Odysseus to meet his son and his wife, Penelope.
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