Odysseus has the defining character traits of a Homeric leader: strength, courage, nobility, a thirst for glory, and confidence in his authority. Like other Homeric heroes, Odysseus longs to win kleos (“glory” won through great deeds), but he also wishes to complete his nostos (“homecoming”).

The battle at Ismarus in book 9 shows Odysseus as a wise leader but not a strong one. Odysseus is considered an epic hero for his role as King of Ithaca, his participation in the war, and his journey home.

Throughout Book 12 Odysseus uses his Homeric Hero traits to help him on his journey home. Using these traits he will be able to regain his kingdom using intelligence, his ability to make important decisions, using his superhuman strength, and receiving help from the immortal gods.

Ogygia

Terms in this set (13) Who is the narrator speaking to in the first stanza? It is Homer calling upon Caliope, the muse of story telling.

After Odysseus’ crew left and blinded Polyphemus, Polyphemus prayed for vengeance on Odysseus to his father, Poseidon. Poseidon then cursed Odysseus and his men, and caused another storm for them to fight through.

Odysseus was stubborn. He was used to doing things on his own without help from the gods. He finally swallows his pride and cries out for help from the gods and the gods save his life. It took ten long years for Odysseus to finally make it home.

Mentes

Telemachus

princess Nausicaa

In the lore of ancient Greece, it was believed that anyone who looked upon the true form of a god or goddess would die because the sight would be too overwhelming to handle. That is one reason Athena disguises herself: she really likes Odysseus and Telemachus, so she does not want to kill them.

Who does Athena disguise herself as in book 7? A young girl carrying a pitcher, telling him how to get to the palace.

Simply, Athena disguises herself so often (in the Odyssey, it is first as Mentes, an old family friend of Odysseus’s) because she can. She can come as ANY person or animal or even object, but she chooses Mentes because he represents loyalty and trust.

Athena transforms him into an old man as a disguise. In Book I, the Goddess Athena disguises herself as Mentes, an old family friend of Odysseus, when she goes to visit his son, Telemachus. Athena has provided a mist to cover the land so that she can privately alter Odysseus’ appearance and help him hide his treasure.

Athena, goddess of War and patroness of the arts and industry, assumes the form of Mentor and accompanies Telemachus on his quest. Father and son reunite and cast down would-be usurpers of Odysseus’ throne and Telemachus’s birthright. The word Mentor evolved to mean trusted advisor, friend, teacher and wise person.

This is what Athena says in response: Athena also reveals why she has not revealed herself to him. She explains that, because Poseidon was on the war path, she herself had to be subtle in providing help to Odysseus, so as not to enrage the sea god further.