The name "Odysseus" resonates in the creaking of the doors that open in the city of Troy, in the murmur of the waves and in the song of the Sirens. Over the course of the epic tale, Odysseus' heroism proves to be much more nuanced than the simple feats of his success at Troy and his triumphant arrival home. In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus' relationship with the dominant female presence, Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus, largely defines his uniquely heroic nature. The relationship positions Odysseus as Athena's heroic counterpart in the mortal realm and ultimately suggests that Athena draws vicarious emotions from their interactions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Athena empowers Odysseus, left to pine over Ogygia, to resume his true role as a hero. He asks his father to free Odysseus from Calypso's embrace and helps Ithaca to endure the fury of Poseidon:But Athena, daughter of Zeus, had other ideasShe barricaded all the winds except oneAnd ordered them to rest and fall asleep. (5.385-387)The daughter of Zeus grants Odysseus a significant favor by calming the winds, since in doing so she disobeys the powerful will of Poseidon. To take such a risk, Athena must truly believe that Odysseus is a mortal hero worthy of her approval and support. Odysseus reveals a unique and resourceful heroism, accentuated by the mental strength he shares with Athena. By rejecting the "ideal of Achilles", Odysseus marginalizes the role of pure physical strength. We can see it in his anguish when the Phaeacians challenge him to an athletic competition: Laodamante, why do you provoke me like this? I have more serious things on my mind than track and field. I've had my share of suffering and I've paid my dues. (8.167-170)Achilles would have jumped at the opportunity to compete in a foot race, but Achilles died during the Bronze Age. Odysseus takes center stage highlighting the strength of his mind. Like Athena, she uses intelligence to avoid frivolous or violent encounters, instead pursuing "serious things", such as ensuring the safety of her beloved Ithaca. Such a goal requires a bitter “share of suffering,” but bears the sweet fruits of home, justice, and peace befitting an aging hero. In their meeting, Athena praises Odysseus for his skillful use of mtis, although, of course, under her aegis. Appearing first as a shepherd and then in his true form, he states: Here we are, the two sharpest minds in the universe, you by far the best man on earth at plotting strategies, and I famous among the gods for my clever plans . Even you did not recognize Pallas Athena, the daughter of Zeus. (13.306-311) On the surface, Athena recognizes Odysseus' ability to think intelligently and weave his own plans. However, there is another underlying feeling. The goddess takes note of the fact that Odysseus cannot recognize her, implying that he cannot match his level of cunning and deception. The fact that Athena feels the need to advertise her superiority over Odysseus indicates her pride, desire for recognition, and lack of self-confidence. Athena's comment about Odysseus's failure to recognize her is significant in a second, complementary way. Not only does he suggest that Odysseus fails to recognize his physical form, but he goes on to state that he does not fully recognize his contribution to the achievement of his goals. Athena invokes her full name and that of her father, conveying her interest in associating her name with Odysseus' exploits. These subtle and repeated requests for admiration lead to a reevaluation of the relationship between man and goddess. One promising interpretation of the partnership between Athena and Odysseus is that it highlights the relationship between divine powers and human meaning.Athena can perform great physical and mental feats, but not significant acts. This crucial distinction emerges as the waves repeatedly strike Odysseus against the rugged coast of the Phaeacians: He would have been torn to shreds and his bones shattered But gray-eyed Athena inspired him. He slammed into a rock and grabbed it with both hands And held on moaning until the breaker approached. (5.429-432) Athena could levitate Odysseus over the ocean and place him on Phaeacia, but she chooses not to. Instead, his will manifests as inspiration. Ulysses clings to the rock and groans in pain, deciding to live and fight to move forward. The human spirit that gives meaning to life emerges from the crucible of suffering, from the constant prospect of death. Human virtues are responses to the tenuous nature of mortal existence. Athena, daughter of Zeus, goddess of reason and wisdom, never the victim of unrequited love or prolonged suffering, does not have the capacity for a spirit of heroic proportions. Ulysses attracts her because he is her counterpart: she offers him her powers and he offers her his spirit. It is Ulysses who heads towards rocky Ithaca, but without Athena he would have drowned. The metaphorical tailwind (5.389) demonstrates that Athena has the power to create potential, while Odysseus has the spirit to realize these dreams. Their collaboration allows for the creation of profound meaning through spiritual and superhuman acts. A careful reading of Athena's exchange with Odysseus supports his spiritual and heroic primacy. Athena realizes that she must speak out to get her fair share of glory. After comparing herself to Ulysses and claiming her superiority, Athena lets out: I who stand by you in all your difficulties And who have made you dear to all the Phaeacians. And now I have come here, ready to weave a plan with you and hide from me the goods that the Phaeacians gave you - which was my idea - (13.306-316) She seems eager to solicit his gratitude, earn credit and declare a stake equal in plan. His hasty addition, "that was my idea," betrays his determination to gain consensus. Athena's decision to reveal herself to Odysseus in her full glory is the equivalent of Odysseus shouting his true name to Polyphemus. Athena does not want anonymous philanthropy and clinical observation, but rather for her part in human history to be recognized for posterity. She wants a piece of the action and, more importantly, recognition for her efforts. Perhaps this divine desire manifests itself because too few limitations make for a sterile existence. Odysseus, paralyzed by his mortality and haunted by the constant prospect of death, has the urgent desire for survival that makes the expression of his life meaningful and seductive to Athena. Ulysses certainly never takes success for granted, as evidenced by his constant concern for suitors: And Ulysses, with his mind teeming: "Yes, Goddess, all you say is true, But my heart broods on this... And Athena, eyes flashing in the darkness: "Come, Odysseus. Some people trust their little friends more than you trust me. (20.40-42; 20.48-50)Odysseus, subject to the whims of divine favor, must trust his mind, his heart and his spirit. Athena assumes an almost contemptuous attitude; he doesn't understand the human condition, because he has never experienced it firsthand. A comparison between Odysseus and Athena emphasizes not the similarity of their methods, but rather the difference between their essences. Athena is inherently incapable of taking real risks due to her powerful and immortal nature. Odysseus, however, can take these remarkable risks and win the title of true hero because he possesses the blessing and curse of all humans: mortality. Keep in mind:.