(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

The Odyssey


            Fate is the word used to describe anything that a human being cannot control. It can determine whether or not a ship sinks or a baby dies. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, played a major role in the Greeks" lives. Teiresias, a blind prophet, also played a major role to fate. In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus's fate was largely controlled by Athena, Teiresias, Circe, Aeolus, Poseidon, and Zeus.
             Athena was Odysseus's primary advocate and was the reason Odysseus eventually made it home. Firstly, Athena guided Odysseus to the island of the Phaeacians. If this had not happened, Odysseus would probably have died. Secondly, she altered his appearance to allow him to befriend Princess Nausicaa. Athena's manipulations of Odysseus's appearance were a key factor to the success he had in dealing with various people. Lastly, when one of Penelope's servants recognized Odysseus, Athena wiped her memory of it. Without this, Odysseus's plan would have been ruined and the suitors would probably have killed him right away. Odysseus's fate was heavily influenced by Athena's godlike intervention.
             Circe, a witch that has the power to turn men into swine, and Teiresias, a blind prophet in the underworld, both guide Odysseus home. Circe begins by telling Odysseus that he must descend to the underworld to speak to Teiresias. Teiresias proceeds to tell Odysseus how his journey will occur and gives him important advice on how to continue. Circe also informs him of three deadly obstacles which lay in his path. The Scylla, the Charybdis, and the Sirens lay in his path. Without the monumental help of Teiresias and Circe, Odysseus would have undoubtedly died along with the rest of his crew. Their instructions to him were key to the way the rest of his journey played out.
             Although the aforementioned gods were very influential, several other gods also dictated the course of Odysseus's struggle. Firstly, Poseidon, the god of the sea, was the reason Odysseus's voyage was infinitely more difficult than it should have been.


Essays Related to The Odyssey


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question