The Important Role Of Athena In Homer's Odyssey

The Greek gods and goddess have sparked my interest ever since seventh grade when I read The Percy Jackson Series. All throughout the books my attention was grasped by their power and demanding personalities, one specific goddess that stood out to me was Athena. Her charm and dominant personality fascinated me and definitely caught my attention. Before reading The Percy Jackson Series, I knew very little about Athena or the gods and goddess’ in general. Later, I took it upon myself to find out more about who the gods were and why they are important to the series I was reading at the time. My knowledge came in handy during the research I did to complete my paper. During my research I found that Athena was very important in not only The Odyssey, but in Greek mythology. She was one of the most confident and practical goddess’, and she was very well respected by the Greek people because of how she helped them.
Athena plays a very meaningful role in The Odyssey. While she may be short tempered and controlling, she helps Odysseus on his journey -- the one she sent him on. Through Odysseus’ journeys, Athena took a particular liking to him and went so far as to give him help and guidance in times of need. An example would be

when Odysseus needed to venture back to his homeland, but he could not be recognized or he would be killed. Athena stepped in and manipulated his appearance to make him look like an old beggar so no one could identify him (Cliff Notes). By saving Odysseus’ life plenty of times, one could not argue that Athena, although seeming rough and powerful, is actually helpful in The Odyssey.
Athena was a very important goddess in Greek mythology.

She was necessary because of the roles she played, such as the goddess of fight and the warrior-protector. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Greek gods and goddess’ need demigods and heroes to carry out their significant quests. Therefore, Athena was responsible for keeping the heroes safe in order for them to finish their task. She was well known in Greek Mythology because of how she destroyed her enemies and she was not greatly recognized for how she aided her heroes (Spark Notes). As a person who knew very little about Athena, the first impression I received was her superior attitude and cunning personality, but after learning more about her I know Athena is so much more than

that.
In conclusion, Athena was a very significant goddess in The Odyssey and out. She sent Odysseus on his journey, but helped in along the way, ensuring that he was safe. She also protected the heroes of Greece, in a similar way she helped Odysseus. In the end, Athena proved to be a necessary goddess in Greek mythology and in The Odyssey.