People from Greece Worshipped gods for Advice and Guidance in The Odyssey

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In the time period of The Odyssey, the people of Greece worshipped the gods for advice and guidance. The gods then decided if they were going to help or ignore their people. This is seen in The Odyssey where Athena decides that she will help save Odysseus. To help save Odysseus, she first decides to talk to his son, Telemachus. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, gives advice to Telemachus. As of this point on, the reader observes a change in Telemachus. From a shy and timid boy now becomes a confident and self-assured man. Telemachus then takes immediate actions and surprises everyone, even his own mother because of his superiority. However Telemachus wouldn't have been responsible for his actions if one individual didn't give advice to him, Athena. Therefore Athena, or the gods in general were responsible for Telemachus' actions by setting up a crew for him to travel and also telling Telemachus to drive away the suitors and to seek information about Odysseus. Telemachus had no control of his palace or anything in fact before Athena had come. Athena, who was disguised as Mentes, was one of Odysseus' friends and spoke with Telemachus. At first the two talk about small matters such as discussing who they were and what their stories were. But their conversation moves to Athena giving advice to Telemachus, '"At daybreak summon the islands lords to full assembly, give your orders to all and call the god's to witness: tell the suitors to scatter, each to his own place (Book 1, 315-317)."' This is the first part of Athena's advice, to get rid of the suitors. The suitors have been taking control of the palace and no one is stopping them. If Athena hadn't said anything, Telemachus would still be sitting there looking absently i... ... middle of paper ... ...end her a swift ship. He gladly volunteered (Book 2, 422-427)." Athena helped Telemachus get a crew and also get a boat for him to travel. Athena was very kind to Telemachus and gave him very wise advice. Without the gods, Telemachus wouldn't have followed through his actions. The gods answered the prayers of Telemachus and were very kind to do so. Athena gave Telemachus very good advice and guidance while Zeus allowed Athena to do so and also answered Telemachus prayer by showing a sign to amaze the assembly. In the beginning of the novel, Telemachus is portrayed as a shy and timid boy but with the gods help Telemachus is shown as the true prince of Ithaca. Therefore the gods are responsible for Telemachus actions by giving advice to Telemachus, answering his prayers and showing a sign when Telemachus needed it the most, and setting up a crew for him to travel.

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