Throughout the poem it is important for Odysseus to remain anonymous for many different reasons. He doesn't actually reveal himself straightaway to anyone in this poem, which is unusual for a hero, as they usually are eager to create more acquaintances that will speak of all their great deeds and actions and in effect gain them more Kleos. The first instance we see this `mask' being put up is in his conversation with Athena, Goddess of the flashing eyes, Who has disguised herself as an old friend of the family, Mentes. He pretends to be a murdering exile that has just got back from Troy, where Odysseus has in fact been. Of course Athena knows who this `exile' really is, and therefore see's right through his `lie' and reveals herself to him, which is a great honour for a mortal. She is very impressed by the incredibility of...