Athena in Homer's Odyssey

Ulysses and Athena

Ulysses and Athena

Athena is Ulysses' special patron. The bond between them arises from the similarities of their natures; as the Goddess herself puts it in Book 13: We both know tricks, since you are by far the best among all men in counsel and tales, but I among all the Gods have renown for wit (metis) and tricks. 1

In Book 3 Nestor speaks to Telemachus about the wondrous character of this relationship and hopes that Telemachus will enjoy similar protection from the Goddess: Would that bright-eyed Athena should care to love you as once she cherished mighty Ulysses in the land of the Trojans, where we Achaeans suffered woes -- for I never saw the Gods showing such open affection as Pallas Athena stood by him for all to see. 2

At Troy, Athena constantly stood by Ulysses, loving and supporting him. In the action of the Odyssey, from the time Ulysses leaves Calypso's isle to the final truce in Ithaca, Athena likewise aids her favorite, both directly (after his arrival on Ithaca) and indirectly (among the Phaeacians). 3

And Ulysses' long voyage home has become a paradigm for the journey of self-discovery which finally leads back, after many trials and confrontations with strange humans, monsters, Gods, and giants, to the center where one really belongs. 4

The Name of Athena is mentioned 162 times in the Odyssey:

A T H E N A   I N   T H E   O D Y S S E Y

  1. Athena questions Zeus about Ulysses - 1.44
  2. Athena proposes the return of Ulysses to his own home - 1.80
  3. Telemachus invites Athena and clasps her right hand - 1.118
  4. Telemachus bores the spear of Athena - 1.125
  5. Telemachus leads and seats Athena herself on a chair - 1.130
  6. Telemachus speaks to Athena holding his head close - 1.156
  7. Athena prophesies the return of Ulysses - 1.178
  8. Athena criticizes the shameful acts of Penelope's suitors - 1.221
  9. Athena prophesies the punishment of Penelope's suitors - 1.252
  10. Athena asks Telemachus to stop her no longer - 1.314
  11. Athena puts strength and courage in his heart - 1.319
  12. The minstrel sings the sorrowful return from Troy which Pallas Athena laid upon the Achaeans - 1.327
  13. Athena casts sweet sleep upon Penelope's eyelids - 1.364
  14. Telemachus ponders in his mind upon the journey which Athena had shown him - 1.444
  15. Athena causes a wonderful grace to fall upon Telemachus - 2.12
  16. Athena endowed Penelope with knowledge of fair handiwork and an understanding heart, and stratagems - 2.116
  17. Telemachus prays to Athena - 2.261
  18. Athena incites Telemachus to prepare his journey - 2.267
  19. Telemachus did nor delay long after he had heard the voice of the Goddess - 2.296
  20. Athena goes throughout the city, and to each of the men she draws near and speaks her word - 2.382
  21. The Goddess makes more cheerful each man - 2.390
  22. Athena incites Telemachus to start his journey - 2.396
  23. Telemachus follows in the footsteps of the Goddess - 2.405
  24. Athena seats down in the stern of the ship, and near her seats Telemachus - 2.416
  25. And Athena sends them a favorable wind - 2.420
  26. Athena leads the way - 3.10
  27. Athena incites Telemachus not to feel shame - 3.14
  28. Athena tells Telemachus that he was born and brought up with the favor of the Gods - 3.25
  29. Telemachus follows in the footsteps of the Goddess - 3.29
  30. Libations and prayers are made to the immortals - 3.42
  31. Athena prays to the God Poseidon - 3.51
  32. Athena puts courage in Telemachus heart - 3.76
  33. Agamemnon wants to appease the dread wrath of Athena,--fool! - 3.145
  34. "Ah, would Athena might choose to love you even as then she cared exceedingly for glorious Ulysses" - 3.218
  35. "For never yet have I seen the Gods so manifestly showing love, as Pallas Athena did to him, standing manifest by his side" - 3.222
  36. Easily might a God who willed it bring a man safe home - 3.229
  37. "Even now it is not fitting to sit long at the feast of the Gods" - 3.330
  38. When they had poured libations, then truly Athena and godlike Telemachus were both willing to return to the ship - 3.343
  39. Athena goes to the ship and heartens her comrades - 3.356
  40. Athena departs in the likeness of a sea-eagle - 3.371
  41. Nestor prays to Pallas Athena, and she hears him - 3.385
  42. Nestor bade a bowl be mixed, and ardently he prayed, as he poured libations, to Athena - 3.394
  43. "That first of all the Gods I may propitiate Athena, who came to me in manifest presence" - 3.419
  44. Athena comes to accept the sacrifice - 3.435
  45. Then Nestor begins the opening rite of hand-washing and sprinkling with barley grains, and ardently he prays to Athena - 3.446
  46. Pallas Athena leads away Helen from the Trojan horse - 4.289
  47. "O father Zeus and Athena and Apollo" - 4.341
  48. Aias hated of Athena - 4.502
  49. "Pray to Athena, for she may then save him even from death" - 4.752
  50. Penelope prays to Athena - 4.761
  51. Athena makes a phantom and sends it to Penelope - 4.795
  52. The phantom speaks to Penelope about Pallas Athena - 4.828
  53. Athena speaks to the Immortals about Ulysses - 5.5
  54. The offense of the warriors against Athena - 5.108
  55. Athena helps Ulysses on the sea - 5.382
  56. Athena puts a thought in Ulysses' mind - 5.427
  57. Athena gives prudence to Ulysses - 5.437
  58. Athena sheds sleep upon Ulysses eyes - 5.491
  59. Athena goes to the land and city of the Phaeacians - 6.2
  60. Athena contrives the return of great-hearted Ulysses - 6.13
  61. Athena speaks to Nausikaa - 6.22
  62. Athena goes to Olympus - 6.41
  63. Athena takes the counsel that Ulysses might awake and see the fair-faced maid - 6.112
  64. Athena puts courage in the heart and takes fear from the limbs - 6.140
  65. Athena makes Ulysses taller to look upon and mightier, and from his head she makes the locks to flow in curls like unto the hyacinth flower - 6.229
  66. Athena sheds grace upon the head and shoulders of Ulysses - 6.233
  67. Ulysses rests in the goodly grove of Athena - 6.291
  68. Ulysses prays to Athena in the glorious grove, sacred to Athena - 6.322
  69. Athena hears Ulysses prayer; but she does not yet appear to him face to face - 6.324
  70. Athena with kindly purpose, casts about Ulysses a thick mist - 7.14
  71. Athena meets Ulysses in the guise of a young maiden - 7.19
  72. Athena speaks to Ulysses - 7.27
  73. Athena leads the way quickly, and Ulysses follows in the footsteps of the Goddess - 7.37
  74. The heart of Athena is kind towards Ulysses - 7.40
  75. Athena advises Ulysses - 7.47
  76. Athena departs over the unresting sea and enters the well-built house of Erechtheus - 7.78
  77. Athena gives to women above all others skill in fair handiwork, and an understanding heart - 7.110
  78. Ulysses is wrapped in a thick mist which Athena sheds about him - 7.140
  79. "O father Zeus, Athena and Apollo" - 7.311
  80. Athena goes to each man's side, speaks and rouses the spirit and heart of each man - 8.7
  81. Athena sheds a wonderful grace upon the head and shoulders of Ulysses - 8.18
  82. Athena in the likeness of a man speaks to Ulysses - 8.193
  83. The Trojan horse was made with Athena's help - 8.493
  84. Ulysses braved the most terrible fight and in the end conquered by the aid of great-hearted Athena 85) 9.317
  85. Athena grants glory - 8.520
  86. Ulysses had won the contest for the arms of Achilles; and the judges were the sons of the Trojans and Pallas Athena - 11.547
  87. Hermes and Pallas Athena were the guides of Hercules when he went to the house of Hades - 11.626
  88. Ulysses sets out for home through the favor of great-hearted Athena - 13.121
  89. About Ulysses the Goddess, equable Pallas Athena, sheds a mist that she might render him unknown, and tell him all things - 13.190
  90. Athena draws near Ulysses in the form of a young man - 13.221
  91. The Goddess Athena answers Ulysses - 13.236
  92. Ulysses is glad, and rejoices as he hears the word of Pallas Athena - 13.251
  93. Athena smiles and changes herself to the form of a woman, comely and tall, and skilled in glorious handiwork - 13.287
  94. Pallas Athena "ever stands by your side, and guards you in all toils" - 13.300
  95. Athena answers: "I cannot leave you in your sorrow" - 13.329
  96. Athena answers again: "Be of good cheer" - 13.360
  97. Pallas Athena sets a stone at the door of the cave - 13.370
  98. Athena urges Ulysses to take thought how he may put forth his hands on the shameless Penelope's suitors - 13.374
  99. Athena answers Ulysses: "I will be with you, and will not forget you" - 13.389
  100. Ulysses answeres Athena: "Your mind knows all things " - 13.420
  101. When Ulysses and Athena had taken counsel together, they parted - 13.429
  102. Athena shows Ulysses the place where to go - 14.2
  103. Ares and Athena give courage, and strength that breaks the ranks of men - 14.216
  104. Pallas Athena goes to spacious Lacedaemon to remind the glorious son of great-hearted Ulysses of his return, and to hasten his coming - 15.1
  105. Athena urges Telemachus to return home - 15.9
  106. Telemachus prays and offers sacrifice to Athena - 15.222
  107. Athena sends a favorable wind - 15.292
  108. Athena appears near Ulysses in the likeness of a woman, comely and tall, and skilled in glorious handiwork - 16.156
  109. Athena makes a sign with her brows, and Ulysses perceives it, and goes forth from the living room, and stands before her - 16.166
  110. Athena touches Ulysses with her golden wand - 16.172
  111. The return of Ulysses is the work of Athena - 16.207
  112. Ulysses follows the advice of Athena - 16.233
  113. The two helper Gods, Athena with father Zeus, rule over all men alike and the immortal Gods - 16.260
  114. Ulysses acts when Athena, rich in counsel, puts it in his mind - 16.282
  115. Pallas Athena and Zeus, the counselor, delude Penelope's suitors - 16.298
  116. The Goddess Athena casts sweet sleep upon Penelope's eyelids - 16.451
  117. Athena taps Ulysses with her wand - 16.454
  118. Wonderful is the grace that Athena sheds upon Telemachus - 17.60
  119. "O father Zeus, Athena and Apollo" - 17.132
  120. Athena rouses Ulysses to go among Penelope's suitors and learn which of them were righteous and which lawless - 17.360
  121. Athena draws near and makes greater the limbs of Ulysses - 18.69
  122. Athena sets in bonds Amphinomus so that he might be slain outright at the hands of Telemachus and by his spear - 18.155
  123. The Goddess, bright-eyed Athena puts it in the heart of wise Penelope, to show herself to the suitors, that she might set their hearts a-flutter - 18.158
  124. Athena gives Penelope immortal gifts, that the Achaeans might marvel at her - 18.187
  125. "O father Zeus, and Athena and Apollo" - 18.235
  126. Athena does in no wise suffer the proud Penelope's suitors to abstain from bitter outrage - 18.346
  127. Ulysses plans with the help of Athena the slaying of Penelope's suitors - 19.2
  128. Pallas Athena bearing a golden lamp, makes a most beautiful light - 19.33
  129. Ulysses plans with the help of Athena the slaying of Penelope's suitors - 19.52
  130. Athena turns Penelope's attention - 19.479
  131. Athena casts sweet sleep upon Penelope's eyelids - 19.604
  132. Athena comes down from heaven and draws near to Ulysses in the likeness of a woman, and she stands above his head, and speaks to him - 20.30
  133. The Goddess Athena speaks to Ulysses - 20.44
  134. Athena teaches skill in famous handiwork - 20.72
  135. Athena does in no wise suffer the proud Penelope's suitors to abstain from bitter outrage - 20.284
  136. Athena rouses unquenchable laughter - 20.345
  137. The Goddess Athena puts it into the heart of wise Penelope, to set before the suitors the bow and the gray iron, to be a contest and the beginning of death - 21.1
  138. Athena casts sweet sleep upon Penelope's eyelid - 21.358
  139. Athena draws near Ulysses, like unto Mentor in form and voice, and Ulysses sees her, and is glad - 22.205
  140. Athena, the rouser of hosts - 22.210
  141. Agelaus rebukes Athena - 22.213
  142. Athena grows angry - 22.224
  143. Athena deflects the spears - 22.256
  144. Athena deflects the spears - 22.273
  145. Athena holds up her aegis, the bane of mortals - 22.297
  146. Athena sheds beauty on Ulysses' head and shoulders - 23.156
  147. Hephaestus and Pallas Athena teach all manner of craft, and full of grace is the work human being produces - 23.160
  148. Athena holds back Dawn - 23.242
  149. When Athena judges that the heart of Ulysses had had its fill of dalliance with his wife and of sleep, straightway she rouses from Oceanus golden-throned Dawn to bring light to men - 23.344
  150. Athena hides them in night, and swiftly leads them forth from the city - 23.371
  151. Athena makes Laertes better to behold in comeliness and in stature - 24.367
  152. "O father Zeus, and Athena and Apollo" - 24.376
  153. Athena speaks to Zeus - 24.472
  154. Zeus rouses Athena - 24.487
  155. Athena draws near them and Ulysses is glad at sight of her - 24.502
  156. Athena says to Laertes to make a prayer to the bright-eyed maiden and to father Zeus - 24.516
  157. Pallas Athena breathes into Laertes great might - 24.520
  158. Athena refrains the men of Ithaca from grievous war - 24.529
  159. Athena speaks and pale fear seizes them - 24.533
  160. Athena orders Ulysses to stay his hand and make the strife of equal war to cease - 24.541
  161. Athena speaks and Ulysses obeys, and is glad at heart - 24.545
  162. Then for all time to come a solemn covenant between the two is made by Pallas Athena - 24.547

Notes

  1. Homer, Odyssey 13. 296-299.
  2. Homer, Odyssey 3. 218-222.
  3. Clay, Jenny Strauss. The Wrath of Athena - Gods and Men in the Odyssey, Littlefield Adams Books. 1997, chap. I, pp. 42-43.
  4. Nichols, Sallie. Jung and Tarot - An Archetypal Journey, Samuel Weiser, Inc. 1980, chap. 10, p. 140.

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