Athena's fundamental role in The Odyssey was to assist and ensure the success of Odysseus' homecoming, and guarantee that Ithaca remained peaceful and stable (24.584-585). ... In many occurrences, in The Odyssey, Athena changed Odysseus' appearance, either to disguise him or make him look even more daunting than he normally would. ... Athena functioned in the Odyssey to inspire and educate the main characters through personal intervention as she acts on their behalf, as she took part in the slaughter of the suitors and ended the conflict between Odysseus and the suitors' fa...

• Word Count: 1605
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography

Athena character is represented differently in the Iliad and the Odyssey. ... In the Odyssey, also written by Homer, Athena is still very powerful, but only fights to defend the State. ... Hardy was a novelist of the Victorian era, and he used Athena to compare her to a character displaying courage and power. ... Her representation has been altered throughout the years, but she still maintains the characteristics central to her character. ...

• Word Count: 1509
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School