The name “Ulysses” resonates in the creaking of the doors that open in the city of Troy, the murmur of the waves and the song of the sirens. Over the course of the epic tale, Odysseus' heroism proves far more nuanced than the simple exploits of his success at Troy and his triumphant arrival home. In Homer's The Odyssey, Odysseus' relationship with the dominant female presence, Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus, largely defines his unique heroic nature. The relationship presents Odysseus as Athena's heroic counterpart in the mortal realm and ultimately suggests that Athena derives thrills from their interactions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"?Get the original essayAthena allows Odysseus, who is pining away on Ogygia, to return to his true role as a hero. She begs her father to free Odysseus from Calypso's embrace and helps Ithaca endure Poseidon's fury: But Athena, the daughter of Zeus, had other ideas. She barricaded all but one of the winds and ordered them to rest and fall asleep. (5.385-387) The daughter of Zeus grants Odysseus a great favor by calming the winds, because in doing so she disobeys the powerful will of Poseidon. To take such a risk, Athena must truly believe that Odysseus is a mortal hero worthy of her sanction and support. Odysseus reveals a unique and ingenious heroism, accentuated by the mental strength he shares with Athena. Rejecting the “ideal of Achilles,” Odysseus marginalizes the role of pure physical strength. This is seen in his anguish when the Phaeacians challenge him in a sporting competition: Laodamas, why do you provoke me like this? I have more serious things on my mind than athletics. I have had my share of suffering and I have paid my dues. (8.167-170) Achilles would have jumped at the chance to participate in a foot race, but Achilles died in the Bronze Age. Ulysses takes center stage by highlighting the strength of his spirit. Like Athena, he uses intelligence to avoid frivolous or violent encounters, instead pursuing "serious things", such as ensuring the safety of his beloved Ithaca. Such a goal requires a bitter “share of suffering,” but bears the sweet fruits of home, justice, and peace that befit an aging hero. When they meet, Athena commends Odysseus for his skillful use of the mtis, although, of course, under his auspices. Appearing first as a shepherd and then in her true form, she declares: Here we are, The two most astute minds in the universe, You are by far the best man on earth when it comes to conspiracy strategies, and I am famous among the gods for my cunning plans. Even you did not recognize Pallas Athena, the daughter of Zeus. (13.306-311) On the surface, Athena recognizes Odysseus' ability to think intelligently and make his own plans. However, another feeling exists underneath. The goddess takes note of the fact that Odysseus cannot recognize her, implying that he cannot quite match her level of cunning and deception. The fact that Athena feels the need to boast of her superiority over Odysseus indicates her pride, her desire for recognition, and her lack of self-confidence. Athena's comment on Odysseus' inability to recognize her is significant in a second, complementary way. Not only does she suggest that Odysseus does not recognize her physical form, but she goes on to state that he does not fully recognize her contributions to the success of his goals. Athena invokes his full name and that of his father, expressing interest in having his name associated with Odysseus' exploits. These subtle and repeated requests for admiration prompt a reassessment of the relationship between man and goddess. An interpretationThe promising aspect of the partnership between Athena and Odysseus is that it highlights the relationship between divine powers and human meaning. Athena can perform great physical and mental feats, but not significant acts. This crucial distinction surfaces when the waves repeatedly strike Odysseus against the jagged coast of the Phaeacians: He would have been cut to ribbons and his bones crushed But gray-eyed Athena inspired him. Pressed against a rock, he grabbed it with both hands And held on groaning until the breaker passed. (5.429-432) Athena could levitate Odysseus over the ocean and deposit him on Phaeacia, but she chooses not to do so. Instead, his will manifests itself as inspiration. Odysseus clutches the rock and groans in pain, deciding to live and move on. The human spirit that gives meaning to life emerges from the crucible of suffering, from the constant prospect of death. Human virtues are responses to the precarious nature of mortal existence. Athena, daughter of Zeus, goddess of reason and wisdom, never the victim of unrequited love or prolonged suffering, lacks the capacity for a mind of heroic proportions. Ulysses attracts her because he is her counterpart: she offers him her powers, and he offers her his mind. It is Odysseus who is heading towards rocky Ithaca, but without Athena, he would have drowned. The metaphorical tailwind (5.389) demonstrates that Athena has the power to create potential, while Odysseus has the spirit to realize these dreams. Their partnership allows for the creation of deep meaning through superhuman spiritual acts. A careful reading of Athena's exchange with Odysseus supports its spiritual and heroic primacy. Athena realizes that she must speak out to earn her fair share of the glory. After comparing herself to Odysseus and claiming her superiority, Athena blurts out: I who support you in all your troubles And who have endeared you to all the Phaeacians. And now I have come here, ready to weave a plan with you , and to hide. the goods the Phaeacians gave you - which was my idea - (13.306-316) She seems all too eager to solicit his gratitude, obtain credit for herself, and declare an equal partnership in the plan. His hasty addition, “it was my idea,” betrays his determination to be acclaimed. Athena's decision to reveal herself to Odysseus in all her glory is equivalent to Odysseus shouting her true name to Polyphemus. Athena does not wish for anonymous philanthropy or clinical observation, but rather for her role in human history to be recognized for posterity. She aspires to be a part of the action and, more importantly, to be recognized for her efforts. Perhaps this divine desire manifests because too few limitations lead to a barren existence. Odysseus, paralyzed by his mortality and haunted by the constant prospect of death, has an urgent desire for survival that makes the expression of his mtis meaningful and alluring to Athena. Certainly, Odysseus never takes success for granted, as his constant worry about suitors shows: And Odysseus, his mind bubbling: "Yes, Goddess, everything you say is true, But my heart broods over this.. . And Athena, her eyes shining in the dark: “Let's go, Odysseus. Some people trust their boyfriends more than me (20.40-42; 20.48-50) Odysseus, subject to the whims of divine favor. , must trust her mind, her heart and her spirit Athena adopts an almost cavalier attitude she does not understand the human condition, because she has never experienced it directly. does not emphasize the similarity of their methods, but rather the difference between their essences Athena is inherently incapable of taking real risks due to her powerful nature...