Divine Intervention In Odysseus In Homer's The Odyssey

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Life in Greece was heavily influenced by the mythological gods and goddesses. These twelve all powerful gods and goddesses were thought to control every aspect of existence, from things like nature and pleasure to death and destruction. The Greeks gave sacrifices and prayed to these gods. The divine intervention of these gods was thought to bring great fortune or horrible destruction. In Homer’s, “The Odyssey”, the divine intervention of the Olympian gods both benefited, and hurt Odysseus’ journey home. Odysseus’ journey home is plagued with horrible troubles brought upon him by the gods and goddesses, along with his own choices. Odysseus first runs into trouble when encountering a large cyclops that threatens him and his crew. He outwits …show more content…

These allies greatly benefit Odysseus throughout the story. Some gods help Odysseus in small ways such as Hermes. Hermes, the messenger to the gods, give Odysseus a herb called moly which blocks Circe cannot turn him into an animal. This was after Circe turned all of Odysseus men into pigs so Odysseus needed a way to save them. Another god that also slightly helped Odysseus was Zeus. Zeus may have killed all of Odysseus men, but he helped Odysseus himself. Zeus helped Odysseus by forcing people to free Odysseus. He first told Poseidon to allow Odysseus to return home, and also forced Calypso to release him from his capture. Just like Helios and Zeus brought great wrath onto Odysseus, Circe and Athena brought great help to Odysseus side. Circe consistently gave Odysseus advice, such as where to go and what not to do. She told him the best path to protect most of his men and also warned him against killing Helios cattle. Athena had an even larger role, as she truly protected Odysseus against any danger that came his way. Although Zeus had it done, it was truly Athena’s idea to have Odysseus freed from Calypso. This allowed him to continue his journey. In the final battle, Odysseus face off against many people trying to marry his wife since he has been gone for so long. Athena disguises him as a beggar so that he can surprise the suitors and kill them. This tactic works and Odysseus goes on a killing rampage. The suitors try and fight back but Athena protects Odysseus, blocking arrows and things coming at him while also guiding his own arrows. The gods helping Odysseus further his journey by allowing him to keep moving

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