Divine Intervention In The Odyssey
Marvin K. K.
Humanities 11
Sam
3/5/2008 Θεία επέμβαση 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 …show more content…
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
Humanities 11
Sam
3/5/2008 Θεία επέμβαση 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 …show more content…
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