After the events of the Trojan War, Odysseus and his men struggle to find their way back to Ithaca. They face numerous challenges such as the wrath of Poseidon and what seemed like the never-ending challenges bestowed upon them throughout their journey. Luckily Odysseus has the favor of Athena, she is the goddess that constantly guides him throughout the story. Along with these challenges Odysseus is constantly tempted by the goddesses for sexual favors. I believe Athena is the main reason Odysseus returns to Ithaca alive. Many times throughout the story Odysseus gives into these temptations. How did these seductions effect the actions of Odysseus? How strong of an influence did these goddesses, or half-goddesses, for that matter have on Odysseus? Odysseus appears throughout the story to be an easily seduced man. I guess you could say that being away from his wife and basically all other women for twenty years could make the task of seducing him much easier. Kalypso, Kirce, and the Seirenes were the main women involved in the seduction. Who gained the upper hand through all these acts of seduction and sex? .
In Greek Mythology the Seirenes are known as women who lure in men of the sea so that they do not make it home. Odysseus was the exception. Their songs had profound control over every man's actions. Their beautiful songs made men basically forget that the Seirenes plan was to lure them into death. The Seirenes were in control because they altered the course of sailors and brought many to death. However, Odysseus survives the Seirenes seduction through song, and neither party really benefits from the seduction, besides the fact that Odysseus remains alive.
Kirce uses her power of divine beauty in the story to control the action of the Odysseus when he arrives on her island. She does possess the powers of all the other goddesses, such as Athena, however her beauty is said to be her most remarkable power.
