Free Essays on Homer's Odyssey: Influence of Gods

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Recommended: Homer's portrayal of the gods in the Odyssey

Influence of Gods in the Odyssey

The almighty, powerful, feared beings in Greek mythology are the

gods! They have many powers and the ability to take the life of anyone in

an instant. But many of them also have another side. What many people

don't know is that they are not all horrible creatures. Many times, gods

help and even befriend the mortals. Many of the gods, like Ino who saved

Odysseus, Hermes who aided Odysseus, and Athena who assisted Odysseus, are

a positive interferences in Homer's epic, The Odyssey.

The white sea goddess, Ino, helps Odysseus on his journey to

Phaiacia. He is about to be smashed against the rough rocks of the island

when Ino sees him and "She pitied Odysseus as he was buffeted about in this

miserable way" (Homer 69). This shows that Ino pities the man and wants

to give him a helping hand. Goddesses who want to help mortals, are a

positive influence on them. Ino says, "'Here take this veil and stretch it

under your chest: it is a divine thing, and while you have it there is no

fear that you will drown or come to any harm'" (Homer 69). This is a good

example of how a goddess can help a mortal. By giving Odysseus the veil

she protects him, and for Odysseus, this is a positive interference.

Though some goddesses, like Ino, help mortals reach places, others, such as

Hermes, warn them against danger.

Hermes gives Odysseus advice on how to avoid danger. As if

reaching the land of Circe isn't hard enough, now Odysseus must find a way

to get his men back from her. The person to help, is Hermes. Odysseus

reaches the house "'But just as I was on the point of entering the sacred

dell...who should meet me but Hermes with his golden rod'" (Homer 117).

Hermes interferes in Odysseus' journey by stopping him before he enters the

house of Circe. However, this is a positive interference because he has

come to warn Odysseus of danger. Hermes says to Odysseus, "'All right, I

will help you and keep you safe. Here, take this charm...this will keep

destruction from your head'" (Homer 118). In this case, Hermes protects

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