Role of Gods in The Odyssey

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

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Telemachus and Penelope do not run the suitors out of the palace, because it might upset the gods. 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.

When thinking about the role of gods in The Odyssey, several questions come to mind. One cannot be protected from destiny.

One cannot talk about the powers that the gods have over the mortals in The Odyssey without bringing up the matter of mercy. But the gods, specifically Zeus can change his heart towards the mortals. Because Zeus grants Athena's request, there is no doubt that Odysseus will return home. 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. Odysseus is given an ox-skin pouch from Aeolus. Although there is a plot to kill Telemachus, he has the gods on his side, and therefore will be protected. Instead of returning home in a few days, Odysseus spends years trying to get home, and his crew never does.

Approximate Word count = 687
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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