In The Odyssey by Homer, there are many themes to be explored and enjoyed. One such main theme is that of trickery. In many different scenarios, the reader sees a variety of characters using trickery and deception to escape from life threatening situations, and to commit devious acts. For whatever reason, trickery is a main underlying theme of the Odyssey that is very interesting to delve into. .
One of the first examples of trickery we encounter in The Odyssey and one that occurs frequently throughout the story, is of Pallas Athene disguising herself, such as Mentor, a friend of Odysseus" when she goes to visit Telemachos. Homer writes, "She was disguised as a friend, leader of the Taphians, Mentes" (The Odyssey, Homer, pg.30). This technique of disguising oneself is used repeatedly not only with Athene, but Odysseus as well when he is changed into an elderly beggar on his returning home. Athene transforms him, "and with her wand she tapped Odysseus, and withered the handsome flesh that was upon his flexible limbs, and ruined the brown hair on his head, and about him, to cover all his body, she put the skin of an ancient old man, and then she dimmed those eyes that had been so handsome" (The Odyssey, Homer, pg.209). This deception is very important to the plot of the story, as Athene must do her work in concealment, and Odysseus must not be revealed to the suitors until the proper time. Being able to veil ones true identity is a very important part of the theme of trickery in The Odyssey. .
Some other examples of trickery that are used in The Odyssey illustrate the necessity to use deception to get out of life threatening situations. An example of this is the time when Odysseus hid his men under a flock of sheep to escape their captivity by Polyphemus. They had wandered into his cave to await the owner and once discovered, Polyphemus devoured many of Odysseus" men. He then proceeded to push a large boulder over the opening of the cave to trap them.
