Greek Gods in The Odyssey

Greek Gods in The Odyssey

Zeus • Zeus is the supreme god and ruler of Olympus. He is the undisputed master of the universe, and he causes rain, drought, good weather and bad weather. Nobody dares challenge his fearsome thunderbolts. He is somewhat unpredictable. His daughter is Athena.

Athena • The great Athena is the goddess of wisdom. She takes no pleasure from battle, and she prefers intelligence over brute strength. Sometimes called “Pallas.” She frequently intervenes on Odysseus’ behalf, often in disguise.

Poseidon • Poseidon is the brother of Zeus, and he rules over the seas and oceans of the world. The great Poseidon is nearly equal to his brother in power and dignity, and he is feared and worshipped by the Greeks. He is the father of the Cyclops, and seeks revenge on Odysseus for blinding his son.

Calypso • Calypso is a goddess nymph, and she holds Odysseus captive for 7 years, hoping to marry him, and releasing him only at Zeus’ order.

Circe • Circe is the witch visited by Odysseus and his crew. She turns some of Odysseus’ crew into pigs, and then reverses the spell and becomes Odysseus’ lover for a year.

Aeolus • Master of the winds, he helps Odysseus get within viewing distance of Ithaca but because of Odysseus’ men’s stupidity, he does not reach home.

Hermes • Hermes is the son of Zeus. He is the fastest of the gods, and he serves as the gods’ messenger. Also, Hermes guides the souls of the dead down to the Underworld.

Hephaestus • Hephaestus is the god of Fire and the Forge, the blacksmith, craftsman and weapon maker of the gods.

Apollo • Apollo is the god of prophesy, music and healing. Like most of his fellow Olympians, Apollo did not hesitate to intervene in human affairs. He helped Paris kill Achilles during the Trojan War.

Helios • Helios is the god of the sun. Though Odysseus warns his men not to, they kill and eat some of the sacred red Cattle of the Sun. In revenge, Helios vows to keep Odysseus’ men from ever returning home.

Cronus • Cronus is the son of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth). He swallowed all of his children because of a prophecy that he would be overthrown by his own child. When Zeus was born, his wife tricked him into swallowing a stone instead. Zeus grew up, fought Cronus, and became king.

MONSTER:Polyphemus (a.k.a. Cyclops) One-eyed cannibal giant who traps Odysseus and a scouting party in his cave, and is blinded when they escape.

Greek Gods in The Odyssey