In Homer's Odyssey, the gods play a critical role in the lives of humans. Odysseus, being a man, knows this and seeks protection and assistance from the gods because he knows that it is necessary. The authority of the gods over Odysseus and the other characters in this ancient epic is obvious. Throughout the epic, the characters are attempting to find favor with the gods. By making wise choices and being hospitable Odysseus and his family will be graced with kindness and protection. The characters go on living, all the while knowing that their lives are in the hands of the gods.
             Through out the story, we see example after example of the gods intervening in the life of Odysseus. The story opens with Odysseus living on the island of Ogygia. He is being held against his will by Kalypso. He partially submits to her, but will not become her husband because he longs for his beautiful wife Penelope. The goddess Athena begs her father, Zeus, to allow Odysseus to return home. "O Majesty, O Father of us all, if it now please the blissful gods that wise Odysseus reach his home again..."(Fitzgerald 4). After Athena begs Zeus for mercy for Odysseus, Kalypso is told to release her prisoner. Zeus is all-powerful and whatever he says is done. When he sends word through Hermes to Kalypso to release Odysseus, she does with very little hesitation. She knows that she must honor Zeus by obeying his commands. She must also make a way for him to return to his home. After following Kalypso's instructions Odysseus sets out on his way home.
             As Odysseus is telling us of his journeys, there are several examples of consequences. Odysseus is given an ox-skin pouch from Aeolus. Motivated by greed, Odysseus' crew opens the pouch and releases the winds. Odysseus can no longer find favor with the Aeolus, the wind god. It seems the hero is just not destined to return to his family. Choices and consequences tha
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