What gods helped Odysseus on his journey?

As a scholar with a keen interest in classical literature and mythology, I am well-versed in the epic tales of ancient Greece. The Odyssey, an epic poem attributed to the blind poet Homer, is a rich tapestry of adventure and divine intervention. The protagonist, Odysseus, encounters numerous gods and goddesses who aid him in his long and arduous journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. Here are some of the key deities who played a significant role in his voyage:


1. Athena: The goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts, Athena is a constant ally to Odysseus. She is often depicted as guiding and advising him throughout his journey. Athena's strategic counsel and protection are pivotal in many of Odysseus's encounters, including helping him devise the plan to defeat the suitors who have overrun his home during his absence.


2. Hermes: The messenger of the gods, Hermes, plays a crucial role in Odysseus's journey. He is known to assist Odysseus in several instances. As you mentioned, Hermes provides Odysseus with the "Moly" plant, which grants him immunity to the enchantress Circe's magic. This divine herb allows Odysseus to resist Circe's attempt to turn him into an animal and to eventually force her to release his crew. Additionally, Hermes persuades Calypso, the nymph who has detained Odysseus on her island, to let him go and continue his journey home.


3. Zeus: As the king of the gods and the Greek God of the sky, Zeus has the ultimate authority and power. He is often portrayed as a distant figure who occasionally intervenes in the affairs of mortals. In the Odyssey, Zeus is the one who finally commands the other gods to cease their interference and allow Odysseus to return home. His intervention is crucial in setting the stage for the latter part of Odysseus's journey.


4. Poseidon: The god of the sea is one of the primary antagonists in the Odyssey. Poseidon harbors a deep grudge against Odysseus for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. As a result, he makes Odysseus's journey home extremely difficult by causing storms and shipwrecks. However, despite his enmity, Poseidon's actions also serve to highlight Odysseus's resilience and determination.


5. Calypso: Although not a god, Calypso is a nymph who detains Odysseus on her island. She is initially reluctant to let him go, but after being persuaded by Hermes and threatened by Zeus, she eventually allows Odysseus to leave. Her role is significant as it represents one of the many temptations and distractions Odysseus must overcome to reach his home.


6. Circe: The enchantress Circe, who resides on the island of Aeaea, is another figure who detains Odysseus. She uses her magic to transform his crew into pigs but is thwarted by the Moly given to Odysseus by Hermes. Circe then becomes an ally, providing Odysseus with valuable information and assistance for the remainder of his journey.

These are just a few of the divine figures that influence the course of Odysseus's journey. The Odyssey is a testament to the power of the gods in the lives of mortals, as well as a celebration of human resourcefulness and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Hermes gives Odysseus a plant called "Moly" on Circe's island to make him immune to her magic (Applebee). Hermes also convinces Calypso to let Odysseus' to continue on his journey home to Ithaca (Leadbetter). Zeus was the Greek God of the sky (Zeus). Circe was a Greek enchantress, or sorceress (Magnum).Oct 8, 2013