Athena, the mythological Greek goddess of warfare, was known for her strategic planning. Aware of this, Homer highlights this fact through her actions in the Odyssey. In preparation for Odysseus’ visit to the Phaiakians, Athena disguises herself as a crier of the king, letting the people know that Odysseus, famous war hero, was coming. (289) Pouring “her grace out upon him,” Athena impresses the Phaiakians with Odysseus’ splendor. (290) She uses these tactics to ensure that the suspicious Phaiakian people will help Odysseus and his men. Later, Athena disclose

s her role to Odysseus. “…I who made the Phaiakians befriend you…I planned it so.” (368) Homer uses Athena’s tactics such as this to prove that the gods were on Odysseus’ side. Later, Athena also dresses Odysseus as a young man: “As for my change of skin, that is a charm Athena…uses as she will.” (405) This tactic is used to impress Telemachus of his heroic father. Again portraying Athena as a great tactician, Homer reminds the reader of her help during the Trojan war, when she helped Odysseus be providing him with the idea of the Trojan horse. (370)

Though Athena provided the idea for the Trojan horse, Odysseus, known as the “Great Tactician” (395) actually carried out the plans for it. Working with Athena or alone, Odysseus often proved to be an excellent tactician. He also managed to save himself and some of his men from the cannibalistic Cyclops through a carefully planned strategy involving the act of riding on the underbellies of sheep. (313) Later, with the help of an old beggar’s disguise from Athe

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