The women of The Odessy
... The fact that she hasn’t chosen a suitor further defines Odysseus as a king among men, a hero and a leader. Athena also plays a crucial role in Odysseus’ homecoming. Athena is herself a warrior, and therefore protects the brave and valorous. She interferes whenever Odysseus is in a perilous or less-than-favorable circumstance. It is safe to say that Odysseus would have never made the journey from Troy back to Ithaca if it were not for Athena’s constant supervision and assistance in his times of need. Her interest in Odysseus demonstrates his importance and heroism. It affirms the fact that he is worthy of the attention of a goddess. After the Trojan War, Odysseus suffers a shipwreck and is rescued by the beautiful, seductive nymph Calypso. He lives with her in a paradise on the island of Ogygia for seven years. She caters to his every need and promises him immortality. However, Odysseus becomes restless. Paradise is no place for a hero. His safe haven on Calypso’s island threatens his way of life. Odysseus wants more; if he stays with Calypso he will not get recognition for his heroism and accomplishments. His restlessness displays a hero’s need for adventure and praise. It is the hero’s job to resist the temptation of the seductress or it will lead to his downfall. Nausikaa is the representation of a beautiful hostess. She is described as being “so fine in mould and feature that she seemed a goddess” (Homer 99). Odysseus was once again tossed around on the open sea and who other than a beautiful maiden to come to his rescue? Nausikaa provides Odysseus a bath, clothing, food and advice. The role of Nausikaa is similar to that of a goddess because she is assisting a hero in need, much like the role of Athena. Odysseus praises her as though she is a God, saying “…all my days until I die may I invoke you as I would a goddess, a princess, to whom I owe my life” (Homer 139). Odysseus’ praise shows how women are portrayed as exquisite creatures that assist a hero on his journey home. This is also illustrated by the way Athena describes Arete and speaks of the esteem the people of Phaikia hold for her. She states that “No lady in the world, no other mistress of a man’s household, is honored as our mistress is, and loved by her own children, by Alkinoos, and by the people. When she walks the town they murmur and gaze as though she were a goddess” (Homer 113). Athena tells him if Arete looks upon Odysseus with favor, he will see his friends and father in Ithaca. Once again Odysseus must rely on the generosity and assistance of a beautiful woman in order for him to continue on his journey. Odysseus’ next encounter deals with yet another enchanting goddess by the name of Circe. She is described as a “dire beauty” (Homer 169) and plays the role of the seductress. Circe is known for turning men into animals and keeping them on her island of Aiaia. Though Odysseus’ crew fall into her trap, the hero is once again aided by a god and is able to resist Circe’s spell. He conquers the goddess and is once again catered to. Odysseus seems to take the most powerful goddess and the most seductive beauties and use their power and prestige in his favor. He is taken care of and pleasured and yet he is still not satisfied. Like Calypso, Circe begs Odysseus to stay, but once again he seeks adventure and yearns for home. Odysseus repeatedly resists the powers of the seductress in order to maintain...