Calming the winds, and allowing Odysseus safe journey, he lands upon the lands of the Phaeacians. Upon arrival he comes in contact with a young woman, Athena in disguise, whom offers him safe passage to the castle. Here Athena, takes him into her protection once again, offering him a protecting mist that surrounds the two travelers, allowing them to pass safely through the villages, to the king’s castle. Even this little detail, “the mist”, we can see once again the themes of Disguise vs. Realty in Athena’s actions. Athena once again takes on a disguise, interfering but not really interfering with the plot processes, making the plot flow a little sweeter and softer for the hero. Although, Homer’s idea of a hero was a man of great wisdom or speed or strength, sometimes the hero’s background was simply one of inheritance(Aldington). Such was that of Odysseus. By making Odysseus “just a man”, and giving Athena the persona of protector, he really is enabling Athena to carry the plot through each individual case of appearance. Now, if reality had served poor Odysseus in this situation , the unknowing Phaeacians may have taken it upon themselves to cast demeaning glances, and harassment upon the foreigner. By taking it upon herself to take control of the situation, she allowed Odysseus to continue on his journey, always foreshadowing for him events to come.
Athena Goddess of The Great Athens
Athena, was the Greek Goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, justice and skill. She was the favorite child of Zeus, She had sprung fully grown from her father's head. Her mother was the goddess of wisdom and Zeus's first wife, Metis. In fear that he may bear a son mightier then himself Zeus swallowed Athena. Zeus came upon a great migrane, and called upon Hephaestus to split his skull open and from his skull emerged Athena. She is the virgin mother of Erichthnonius. Her usual attribute is the owl. And her father allowed her to possess the great Aegis.
*Thank you to http://www.pantheon.org/ for this information*
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