Examples Of Deception In The Odyssey

A major theme illustrated throughout the book, The Odyssey, is deception. Many characters constantly use lies and disguises to manipulate others’ actions. Homer expresses examples of deception through Athena, Telemakhos, and Odysseus.
For example, Athena uses disguises to guide other characters throughout the book. Athena disguises herself as Mentor to persuade Telemakhos to travel to find his lost father. She knows that Telemakhos is longing for his father to return home to Ithaka. Athena tells Telemakhos, “‘Not the least shyness, now, Telemakhos. You came across the open sea for this- to find out where the great earth hides your father and what doom was that he came upon.’” (Homer 3.17-20). Athena deceives Telemakhos to help him not for her own personal gain. She assists him because she knows this is the right thing to do.
Telemakhos uses deception on his own mother, Penelope, when he leaves in search of his father. He lies to his mother hoping she will not panic about his departure. Before Telemakhos leaves, he says to his favorite nurse, “‘And you must swear to keep it from my mother, until the eleventh day, or twelfth, or til she misses me, or hears that I'm gone. She must not tear her lovely skin lamenting.’” (Homer 2.373-376). Telemakhos lies to his mother so she will not be alarmed when he leaves in search of Odysseus.

As a result, the suitors are not prepared to defend themselves when Odysseus attacks. The suitors believe he is dead or still lost at sea. Odysseus uses his disguise to ambush all the suitors and kill them. He deceives and overcomes the suitors so that he can have his beloved wife, Penelope. The suitors soon realize they have been fooled. “In the hushed hall it smote the suitors and all their faces changed. Then Zeus thundered overhead , one loud crack for a sign.” (Homer 21.470-472). Odysseus uses his disguise to ambush the other