Odysseus can do almost everything a god can do but the help of the gods to do so. Therefore, Odysseus says to Athena, "And do you stand beside me, inspiring hardy courage, even so as when we tore the shining crown from Troy"(130). When Odysseus was at war with Troy, Athena gave him guidance. Now, Odysseus once again asks for guidance and help because he cannot accomplish the feat single-handed. Odysseus, not realizing that Athena has helped him the whole time, asks for guidance because he cannot slaughter the suitors without a disguise and a plan.
Once Odysseus hears about something ill fated, he would be determined to change this. As a hawk anticipates catching his prey; so was Odysseus about taking revenge. When Telemachus was with Helen and Menelaus he received the sign of the eagle. On Telemachus" right an eagle flew and Helen rightly says, "As the eagle caught the goose, -she, fattened in the house; he, coming from the hills where he was born and bred, -so shall Odysseus, through many woes and wanderings, come home and take revenge. Even now, perhaps, he is at home, sowing the seed of ill for all the suitors"(145). Helen, Menelaus" wife, predicts that Odysseus has returned home. The symbol of the eagle with the goose in his claws symbolizes what Odysseus is going to do to all of the suitors. The eagle is coming from the mountains and is attempting to kill something. This is ironic because Odysseus who is coming from different lands was trying to figure out a plan to kill the suitors.
Odysseus, determined and head strong, displays an immense amount of courage. Even though Hades is the land of the dead, Odysseus has expectations that he can be guided. Odysseus has always been guided under the sunlight and was courageous in knowing that he might be guided in the darkness. This is significant because Hades was not in sunlight but rather in darkness, which left the sunlight as Odysseus" only guide, while looking for aid.
