What Is Athena's Role In The Odyssey

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What were women made for? According to Genesis 2:18, God made Eve because he said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Women were made to complete man. In two stories, Job and The Odyssey, there are two women who are either encouragers or realists. In The Odyssey the main female character is Athena, who encourages Odysseus and Telemachus on their journeys. She encourages them to go on the path she wants them to, but she does not make them. Athena plays a big role in the maturity of Telemachus. In the book of Job, Job’s wife shows a reaction to problems just like any normal human being would. Job’s wife is more of a realist by showing what any one person would do in times of trial. As humans …show more content…
In The Odyssey Athena is a goddess, but she cares for Odysseus and Telemachus. Athena is more of an encourager than Job’s wife was. In The Odyssey Athena steps in more than once to Mentor. Whenever Odysseus or Telemachus needed help she was there to guide them. Athena’s role is essential, but she allows Odysseus and Telemachus chose what they want to do. Athena would put ideas in their mind or encourage them in the form of Mentor to do what she thinks is best for them. Athena had a big part in the development of Telemachus. She gave Telemachus the idea of going to find out if his father, Odysseus, was still alive. If she would not have done that, Telemachus would not have become the man he was or it would have taken him a longer time to become that man. Telemachus grew up and matured on his journey more than he had in the time his father was gone. In the end Athena wanted Telemachus to grow up to help Odysseus take revenge on the suitors. She helped Odysseus get home and kill the suitors. Even though Odysseus was a very strategic person, he needed the push in the right direction and even the disguises Athena gave him. If he would not have had her help, he might not have gotten home. Many times Athena would disguise Odysseus, but when he needed it she would uncover his strength. Athena would remind Odysseus of how the suitors came into his house and is eating all his wealth and is trying to win his …show more content…
Job’s wife was not an encourager, but instead she took the easy way out and did not support the one man she was made for. God created women to help and support men. Although both stories are not about human women, they still show the importance of women. All women can learn from Job’s wife that no matter how tough any situation gets, do not take the easy way out, but stand by your man and pray that god will have his will. Athena shows what it is like to be a strong supporter and helper for men. She stayed with Odysseus and Telemachus till their quests were complete. Women were mad to support men and out of the two in the stories, Athena shows the most support. Women need to realize that they are major supporters and they are made to help and complete
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