Odyssey Telemachus Character Analysis

Athena as a Hero

In The Odyssey by Homer, Athena proves to be the most important hero in the evens that occur. In this epic, Telemachus, a naïve boy goes on a journey to find part of his identity, his father Odysseus. Before Telemachus was brave enough to embark on this adventure, he needed Athena, the grey eyed goddess’ help. Athena performs many tasks that earn her the title of a hero. Without her, Telemachus would not have been able to find Odysseus. Because Athena is the main factor in getting Telemachus to find his father, she is the true hero in The Odyssey. The reader might think that Telemachus is the main hero in The Odyssey, however this is not the case. Contrary to popular beliefs it is Athena that strongly influences other characters

actions and decisions, which makes her the true epic hero in The Odyssey.
Athena disguises Odysseus several times to help keep his identity a secret, so the suitors don’t know he is home.This allows Odysseus and Telemachus to carry out their plan and turn him back into his original self before the suitors find out he is home.

When Odysseus finally returns, he and Telemachus, with the help of Athena, construct a plan to murder the suitors. In order to succeed, Odysseus must keep his identity a secret. To do so, “Athena disguises Odysseus as a beggar and directs him to the hut of Eumaeus, his old and faithful swineherd.” (Homer 717). Athena’s ability to disguise Odysseus from being seen results in a victory for him and Telemachus against the suitors, and in turn represents how she is a hero. Finally, after twenty years, Odysseus returns home. Because he has been gone so long, Telemachus doubts if Odysseus is really his father. Telemachus questions his change in appearance, and Odysseus replies with “ As for my change of skin that is a charm Athena’s, Hope of Soldiers uses as she will, she has the knack to make me seem as a beggar man sometimes and sometimes young, with finer clothes about me”( Homer 719). Odysseus’ response portrays how Athena is able to change Odysseus into any form that is needed, making there revenge much easier, and giving her a vital part of the

story.
Athena not only gets Telemachus a ship in which to sail on, but also recruits a crew and helps him to command the boat. When Telemachus is finally ready to find his father, he gets some help from Athena. When Telemachus asks for help she responds by saying “ I’ll find a ship for you, and help you sail her”( Homer 27). Athena's decision to help Telemachus on his treacherous journey also follows the heroic archetype of choosing a dangerous adventure. Without Athena’s access to get Telemachus a ship, he would not have been able to go on the adventure. Her statement proves how she plays a crucial part of Telemachus and Odysseus' success. Once Telemachus had the ship, he needed a crew to help him along the way. He is preparing for the journey, "Meanwhile the goddess with grey eyes had other business; disguised as Telemachus, she roamed the town taking each man aside and telling him 'Meet us at nightfall at the ship"'( Homer 30). Because Athena recruited Telemachus crew and got him a ship, she proves to be the key to finding odyssey, and so can be called a hero.
Athena’s faith that Odysseus will get home, and her ability to give Telemachus plans, help with the return of Odysseus.

In an effort to get Zeus to return Odysseus, Athena says “ So perish all who do what he had done, but my own heart is broken for Odysseus, the master mind of war, so long a castaway upon an island in the running sea”( Homer 3). Her care for Odysseus illustrates how she wants him to be safe, and help him to get home. This role is identical to that of a hero. Athena portrays her feeling toward the situation at hand by stating “ Well, I will forecast to you , as the gods put the strong feeling in me. I see it all, and I'm no prophet, no adept in bird signs. He will not now, be long away from Ithaca his fathers dear land; though he be in chains he'll scheme a way to come , he can do anything” (Homer 7). Athena’s faith in Odysseus to get home portrays how she believes in his return. This leads the reader to believe that she will do whatever she can to save him, and proves how heroic she

is.
In the Odyssey, Athena plays a major role in the rescue of Telemachus' father Odysseus. Without Athena's help, Telemachus would not have been able to save his father, Mother, and future Kingdom. Because Athena's role was so significant, she proves to be the most heroic character in Homer's epic. Her ability to disguise Odysseus, help Telemachus prepare for the journey, and have faith in the situation are a few of the factors that make Athena's character so important. Without Athena’s help, Telemachus would not have been able to go on the journey, Odysseus would not have been saved, and they would not have reclaimed there home land, Ithaca.