Interview With Athena

As you my have noticed, I have ventured into a study of the Greek gods first. The family tree shows the complex relationships they had amongst each other, but to get a better feel for what makes the gods tick, I sat down with Athena, the daughter of Zeus to ask her a few questions.

Emma: What was the reasoning behind telling Telemachus to search for his father?

Athena: My heart ached for Odysseus's plight. His brilliance was all but wasted on that mournful island, and if Telemachus just knew to search for him, his predicament could be eased.

E: Did you always have faith that Telemachus could succeed at this task?'

A: Telemachus was but a young boy when the great Odysseus ventured across the wide and perilous sea to fight, and so the kind words of a father were absent to nurture the boy as he grew. But I did not fear for his abilities, and in the great earth that hid his father, Telemachus of any could find him. While he asked for the help of powerful hands in the region, if he was no master of elaborate speeches, reason and heart would give him the words he sought. The gods were never indifferent to his life.

E: Do you consider it reasonable for the gods to help mortals with their problems?

A: Even the loftiest gods cannot ignore what goes on in the mortal world. As my great father Zeus said, "Could I forget that kingly man, Odysseus? There is no mortal half so wise". As all approved of Odysseus's rescue (save Poseidon), is it not appropriate?