I think that, as we near the end of the Odyssey, there is little doubt that Athena plays an enormous role in the adventures of both Odysseus and Telemachus. She both directly tells them what to do as well as orchestrates the events that transpire around them. However, a question that is not completely clear is what role Athena actually plays in the story. The entire adventure since Odysseus was released has basically been for Athena's pleasure, for some unknown reason (possibly to spite Poseidon or just for the entertainment of it all). The underlying questions is whether or not Athena been controlling both Telemachus and Odysseus every step of the way. For that matter, do Telemachus and Odysseus really have any choice of courses of action, or does Athena always push them in the direction that she wants, so that she can get the blood bath she is looking for.
The argument can be made for both sides, because at different parts in the book, Athena is seen just guiding the two heroes and directly interfering to the extent that it almost seems like she is in complete control of everything that happens. As a goddess, she has the power to change people's appearances, appear as anyone she wants, and make people do things they wouldn't normally do. Athena takes on the appearance of a variety of people to influence events, like when she calls the Phaeacians to come see Odysseus or when she appears as Telemachus to gather his crew for his ship. Athena also makes a couple of characters, especially Odysseus and Telemachus, glow with a special light that makes them more awe-inspiring. Finally, Athena is seen changing other people in the way she gives strength to various characters throughout the story to inspire them to action, including Penelope, Nausicaa, and Telemachus. Athena also makes the suitors insult the begger Odysseus even when, under normal circumstances, they may not have gone as far as they did. Everything Athena did was to get to her final goal of a bloodbath of the suitors.
These examples point to Athena being a puppetmaster controlling the entire story, leading up to the eventual slaughter of the suitors. However, there are examples that point towards Athena being more of a guide/teacher, as seen by her teaching Telemachus how to interact with other kings on his own. Athena is also seen advising Odysseus and Telemachus in a less direct way, allowing them to formulate their own plans and ideas. Either way, Athena is an extremely influential character throughout the story who controls much of the events that occur.
I think this is a good analysis of Athena's role in the story. It's certain that nothing would have gotten done without her and I do think that since she has done so much to enable Odysseus' success, it is more his getting her attention that makes him a hero, rather than many of his actions which were largely orchestrated by Athena. I also wonder about why Athena is involving herself so deeply in the journey. I think the Poseidon rivalry makes a lot of sense, but as we approach the slaughtering of the suitors at the end of the book, it's clear Athena is more in this for the fighting than for insulting the sea god. She seems to be a more complex character than many of the others we have encountered because her motives are less easily understood.
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