Odysseus And Athena Relationship

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Although she is a powerful goddess, Athena develops attachments to mortals and acts on her feelings of rage and love, giving an advantage to her favorite heroes. Gods are immortal, so therefore they see many humans live and die. They could easily have no emotions and let conflicts work themselves out among humans, but instead they create relationships with certain mortals and base their actions upon whom they like. Athena in particular holds grudges, and also assists those that she loves. The mortals can tell when Athena favors someone, as she “show[s] love so openly.” (34.245) In the battle of Troy, she helped those she liked, specifically Odysseus. However, while Athena openly shows who she loves, she also does not forget those that she hates.

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