Student Essay on Athena, and the Role of Women in the Odyssey

Homer's great epic, "The Odyssey" was written several thousands of years ago, a time in human history when men played the dominant role in society. The entire structure of civilization was organized and controlled by men; It was an accepted fact that women held an inferior position in society. Society was constructed as if women were around only to serve the men. The involvement of women in any circumstance was almost completely dominated by what the men allowed. The women were valued in society, only they were not given important roles or any decision making power. It is as if they held no power in the ancient Greek society. This is why Homer's Odyssey is very unique, Homer put women into roles that were previously unheard of for women to possess. Unlike in The Iliad, where women served merely as an object to men; female characters of Odyssey are distinctive because they possess personality, and have intricate relationships with the male characters of the Odyssey. By characterizing the women in "The Odyssey", a reader may come to some conclusions about the role of women in this epic. Along with the belief that women played a secondary role to men in society, the female characters displayed certain traits that could not be exhibited by the men. Athena demonstrated the most intelligence and valor out of all the characters in "The Odyssey." The male characters play the most significant roles in this epic, but without the support of the females in "The Odyssey", Odysseus would not have made it through his journey.

Athena is a very intricate and complex character who has a vital role in the epic poem. She is the Goddess of war and battle, a very interesting role for a female to possess. Because she is the Goddess of war, she has great understanding for Odysseus, and the struggle he has been through. She seems the help Odysseus in the most difficult of situations. She becomes involved in the journey of Odysseus, frequently disguising herself to appear as a mere mortal. Also, she sends symbols throughout the epic, by commonly transforming into birds and taking flight over significant events. Even though she gives Odysseus the support he needs to triumph, she allows him to fight his own war against his many foes throughout his journey. Athena also goes to Telemakhos to help him through his own personal mission. Coming to him various times in disguise, and also in his dreams. Athena is a Goddess that is confident, practical, intelligent, and very crafty. She is a master of disguise, which is very important in Odysseus' world. These characteristic make her such an important character in "The Odyssey." It's clear to see that she is the major reason that Odysseus was able to return home safely.

Athena is a Goddess with a lot of power over mortals, but Zeus has the power over the Gods and Goddess. He is the chief and he makes very imperative decisions that affect all Gods and mortals on earth. Athena tells Zeus of Odysseus' fate on the island with Calypso, and how she thinks that Odysseus should be freed and allowed to venture home to Ithaka. She approaches Zeus and says to him; "O majesty, O father of us all, if it now please the blissful gods that wise Odysseus reach his home again, let the Wayfinder, Hermes, cross the sea to the island of Ogygia; let him tell our fixed intent to the nymph with pretty braids, and let the steadfast man depart for home."(Homer 4). Athena is explaining to Zeus that Odysseus is held captive on this island with Calypso; he is not permitted to leave because Calypso has fallen in love with him. This quote shows the important role that Athena plays in "The Odyssey" and more importantly, in Odysseus' life. She displays her vigor and courage by going to Zeus, and informing him about the situation. Athena cares so much about Odysseus because she is the Goddess of war; she knows of the struggles and of the adversity that he has faced in his journeys. Without Athena's support, it is unlikely that Odysseus would have been able to escape Calypso's grip.

Telemakhos, son of Odysseus, does not remember his father very well; this is because Odysseus left for Troy when Telemakhos was only an infant. Even though Telemakhos has not seen his father I many years, he still feels that Odysseus is alive, and that he will return home. To keep Telemakhos' spirit alive, Athena pays him a visit. Athena tells Zeus of her plan; "For my part, I shall visit Ithaka to put more courage in the son, and rouse him to call an assembly of the islanders." (Homer 4). In this quote Athena is planning her visit to Odysseus' son. She wants to reassure Telemakhos about his father and she wants him to reclaim his home from the suitors. She goes and gives courage to the young man; it is as if Telemakhos is following in Odysseus' footsteps.

When the epic begins, we follow Telemakhos through his own odyssey; sort of a passage into manhood. He believes that his father is alive, so he ventures off the island of Ithaka to gather more information about his father. Athena comes in to lend a helping hand to the young Telemakhos ; "Athena was nearby and came to him, putting on Mentor's figure and his tone, the warm voice in a lucid flight of words: 'You'll never be fainthearted or a fool, Telemakhos, if you have your father's spirit; he finished what he cared to say, and what he took in hand he brought to pass.'." (Homer 26). This quote is showing the courage and strength that Athena is giving to the young Telemakhos. He needs all the guidance he can get, because he is setting out on an important journey of his own. Athena continues helping the boy by gathering men for his ship; "The goddess with grey eyes had other business: disguised as Telemakhos, she roamed the town taking each likely man aside and telling him 'Meet us at nightfall at the ship!'." (Homer 30). Not only does she give him guidance, she helps execute Telemakhos' plans. She is essentially telling the young Telemakhos that having Odysseys' spirit will keep him motivated in his quest. It is early on in "The Odyssey" that we see the clout that Athena possess in this story. She fills a role that no male character in "The Odyssey" could fill.

Athena embodies strength, bravery, and justice. She as a strong leader and a very clever decision maker. She shows her courage by approaching Zeus with issues regarding Odysseus; "O father Zeus and gods bliss forever, let no man holding scepter as a king think to be mild, or kind, or virtuous; let him be cruel, and practice evil ways, for those Odysseus ruled cannot remember the fatherhood and mercy of his reign. Meanwhile he lives and grieves upon that island in thralldom to the nymph; he cannot sir, cannot fare homeward.." (Homer 81). Athena once again rallies behind the wondering Odysseus, to help him on his journey home. By merely using her mind and thought, she is helping Odysseus on his way home. Athena is a character that cannot be replaced my any other character in the epic, male or female.

The Goddess Athena communicates with Telemakhos in several different ways. When Telemakhos is in Sparta, she appears to him in a dream. She tells him about the circumstances that he faces in Ithaka; "'The brave thing now, Telemakhos, would be to end this journey far from home. All that you left behind with men so lost to honor in your house they may devour it all, shared out among them. How will your journey save you then? Go quickly to the lord of the great war cry, Menelaos; press him to send you back.'." (Homer 267). She comes to Telemakhos and tells him that he must hurry home to prevent the suitors from taking over his home. Athena has such a great influence on Telemakhos that he announces his departure the next day. Athena has such an important role in the life of this young man; she essentially helps the young Telemakhos turn into a man.

In "The Odyssey" Athena is characterized as a strong and compassionate leader. Her character traits can be related to the traits that Odysseus possess. They are both incredibly intelligent leaders, they display their bravery throughout the epic. This courage helped Odysseus reach his home. When Odysseus was back in Ithaka, he finally met with his son Telemakhos. Athena helped both of them significantly, and was chiefly responsible for the reunion. To make sure that Telemakhos recognized his father, Athena gave Odysseus God-like attributes; "Saying no more, she tipped her golden wand upon the man, making his cloak pure white and the knit tunic fresh around him. Lithe and young she made him, ruddy with sun, his jawline clean, the beard no longer grew upon his chin. And she withdrew when she had done.." (Homer 295). When Odysseus and Telemakhos reunite, it is apparent that they truly are father and son. They have the same characteristics; valor, strength, and cleverness. Athena shares these same characteristics. These three characters are similar in many aspects. Athena fills the all important role as the mentor for these two men; without her guidance, Odysseus and Telemakhos might have never reunited.

The strength of Athena in this epic is remarkable, her intelligence and courage cannot be matched by any other character. She is always there to support Odysseus and Telemakhos in times of need. She is there when Odysseus and Telemakhos are battling the suitors. Not only is she there in spirit, she stands side by side with the father and son as they reclaim their house; "Athena's anger grew like a storm wind as he spoke until she flashed out at Odysseus... 'Come here, cousin, stand by me, and you'll see action! In the enemies' teeth learn how Mentor, son of Alkimos repays fair dealing!'." (Homer 416). This is the crux of "The Odyssey" for Odysseus and all the other characters involved. He has been wandering for years, and he is finally home on his island to find his house filled with strangers. Odysseus and Telemakhos display their bravery by fighting all these suitors, but it is with Athena's help that they are able to succeed.

The great epic, Homer's Odyssey, is a tale of an adventure; a journey through the mind body and soul. Odysseus was strong throughout his voyage and was able to conquer his obstacles thanks to the help from the Goddess Athena. Athena provided physical and emotional support for this man, to get him on his way home to Ithaka. She also provided this same support for Odysseus' son, Telemakhos. Without her involvement, "The Odyssey" would not have turned out the way it did; because she plays such a crucial role in the story. It is understood that Odysseus is the primary character in this epic; concerning his fears and eventually returning to his home, Ithaka. The only reason this was possible is because he had the help of the clever and intelligent Goddess, Athena.