Gods in the Odyssey

Marvin K. K.

Humanities 11

Sam

3/5/2008

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An analysis of divine intervention in The Odyssey reveals that survival and achievement of goals is impossible without help from the gods as they control everything that happens. Divine intervention is a very important aspect of the Odyssey seen right from the beginning to the end and all who have help from the gods survive while those who don't die.

This is clearly shown in the conversation between Athena and her father Zeus on mount Olympus, in which Athena asks her father what should happen to the Ithacans. The will of the gods is supreme to all other powers, and the decision made at mount Olympus of bringing peace among the Ithacans is what actually happens.(XXIV, 496-506). Zeus decides that peace should reign and that's what exactly happens.

Divine intervention in the Odyssey doesn't stop at this. The protagonist Odysseus journey from Ogygia, Calypso's isle is made possible with help of the Gods. Odysseus wishes to leave and go back to his home in Ithaca, a journey he himself knows is impossible without intervention of the gods in either by aiding or hindering him as he says.

"My heart aches for the day I return to my home. If some god hits me hard as

as I sail the deep purple, I'll weather it like the sea veteran I am."IV, 220-

223).

Though he claims he will sail the sea even when hit by a god, he hasn't forgotten the capability of the gods like Zeus who shatters his ship at Helios the God of the sun's request and kills all his men. He narrates to Alcinous the king,

"I could tell you(Alcinous) much more, along tale, of the suffering I've had . by the will of the Gods."(VII, 226-227).

Odysseus acknowledges the power of the gods as unchallengeable by any mortal. Man, knowing limits to heroism always turns to the gods for help and it is their power to offer or withhold. Odysseus knowing he would not be able to survive prays to the Riverlord to help him and save him from the suffering. He in fact considers himself pitiful to the gods. (V, 499-455).

The help and gifts from the gods are not determined by merit, but chance. By appeasing the Gods, one could win their favor. However the gods could side with you even without you making any effort or be against you for no reason. Athena comes to the rescue of Telemachus without him requesting that, and she guides him all the way until he reunites with his father and overcomes the suitors.

Other than help and guidance, the gods could intervene to punish or show their might to those who don't respect or curse them. The gods have feelings and those who disregard them, their help or curse them are punished and success is far from reality for them, for with the gods against you, you cannot survive except if your case causes division among the gods such that you have some gods on your side and others against you. For example Odysseus had Poseidon against him for blinding his son cyclops, but many others on his side who were even stronger; like Zeus. Odysseus relies on wise counsel and guidance from the gods to be able to make it to Ithaca. Circe who had turned Odysseus's men into swine later changes her mind and lets him and his men free. She gives them advice to go to the underworld where the ghost of Theban Tiresias recognizes him and gives him advice on how the rest of the journey will be(XI, 99-135); advice which he relies on but loses all his men to disobedience of the god of the sun. Eating of the cattle of Helios results in the death of all of his men. He is only survives because of the gods on his side protest him. It is made clearer that one must rely on the gods to survive or achieve any goals and that those who go against this face the gods' wrath. In the Odyssey the suitors are the greatest victims because of their behavior which angers the gods. In the beginning, when Telemachus asks them to leave his house, they make fun of how the gods have taught him to be bold.(I, 405-408) The gods don't take this kind of disrespect lightly. Eurymachus, one of the suitors,