The Odyssey, Books 1–6

While reading Books 1 and 2 of The Odyssey, I began to realize that while I do believe in free will, the Ancient Greeks did not believe not, and this is expressed in The Odyssey.

Poseidon, along with the water nymph Kalypos, had been tormenting and preventing Odysseus from leaving the island he’s been trapped on for many years–and it’s only with help from the Gods that he is able to. When meeting with the other gods on Mt. Olympus, Athena declares “I’ll send him to the mainland then, to Sparta by the sand beach of Pylos: let him find news of his dear father where he may win his own renown about the world.”

Athen’s constant efforts in Book 2 ultimately prove that Odyssey needs to be saved and will not be the hero of this story. He is in pursuit of Kleos but it is anticlimactic because obstacles are moved out of his way by the gods in order for him to obtain Kleos.

The Goddess Athena also helps Telemachus find out information about how his father’s whereabouts. The relationship between them makes me question as to why Telemachus needed the motivation and confirmation of a god in order to start seeking out his father.

It’s a bit disappointing for me because I enjoy when the characters in a story are their own saviors and obtain glory on their own, by struggling and without any mention of god(s).

But I can only say this for the stories I read, which might make me a hypocrite. Because in life, I do believe there is higher power(s). I believe that I am receiving constant companionship and help from this high power, and that I need it.

My mind isn’t made up about what the Ancient Greeks put in their stories versus what I prefer in a story, but it does make me question whether I have enough sympathy for these characters. After all, I receive and accept help from higher powers. I seek and receive their motivation and confirmation. So why can’t these fictional characters?