Odyssean Gods In Greek Mythology

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The Odyssean Gods and Their Stories

The Odyssean gods are well known throughout Greek mythology. These gods include the following: Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Hermes, Ino, Circe, and Calypso. Throughout the copious books found in Homer’s Odyssey, these gods allow for the main character, Odysseus, to continue his journey home without death catching up with him. Throughout the story, the reader is acquainted with all of the Odyssean gods, and is left with an odd perspective about each and every one of them. Without knowledge about Greek mythology, the audience may be left confused and curious about the origins of the gods and goddesses mentioned throughout the books. The stories behind each of the Odyssean gods is more interesting than one might think. Greek mythology is sewn together with many godlike deities, one of the strongest being Zeus. “Through a vast set of myths and legends (the clearest illustration is Hesiod 's Theogony) the gods and goddesses were carefully related …show more content…

Out of Zeus’s many children, Athena was his favorite. Her story starts oddly enough. “According to myth, after Zeus seduced Metis he learned that any son she bore would overthrow him, so he swallowed her alive. Later Hephaestus split Zeus ' skull with an ax, and out sprang Athena, fully armed.” (“Athena”). However, she was also a goddess of peace, noted for her compassion and generosity, as found throughout the Odyssey as she saves Odysseus numerous times. Throughout the Odyssey, Athena and Poseidon have many goals that do not coexist. While Poseidon tried to kill Odysseus multiple times, Athena deflected many of his blows. Throughout Greek religion many occasions are found where a disagreement between Poseidon and Athena ensue. “In one contest with Poseidon concerning dominion over Attica, Athena made an olive tree grow on the Acropolis while Poseidon caused a saltwater stream to gush from the Acropolis.”

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