The Odyssey Group

Question:

jillreynolds
jillreynolds
Student

Circe supports Odysseus mostly because she wants to be his lover. Why does Athena support Odysseus and his family? What motivates Athena to do so?

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Posted by jillreynolds on Saturday December 15, 2007 at 9:06 AM and tagged with athena, characters, odysseus, the odyssey.

Answers:


  1. renelane Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    Athena helps Odysseus and his family, and the relationship between them can be described as one of friendship, and even kinship. Because the gods were known to only lend assistance to those deemed worthy of their help, this would indicate that she has a strong respect for Odysseus's heroic endeavors. Athena helps him because she finds him worthy, it is not based on something she wants to get in return for her assistance.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/odyssey/characters

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    Posted by renelane on Saturday December 15, 2007 at 9:44 AM