Odysseus' relationship with these two particular gods could be
described specifically as close, devoted, and friendly.
In regard to
Athena, as the goddess of war and wisdom, she frequently appears to Odysseus when alone to reveal
her will for him, but she talks to him as if they are old buddies. Perhaps this positions
Odysseus as a little higher than the rest of the human race for the reading audience as they
shape perception of him.
In terms of Zeus, Odysseus prayed to him
and cited him as the one who had all power to fix the situation or drop his hand should he find
need to discipline Odysseus. Odysseus worked to obey and worship
Zeus.
Both gods assist Odysseus and Telemachus in killing the
suitors. Without their help, the two men would have surely died. This tale may have a purpose in
demonstrating power in relying on the supernatural.
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