Day of Their Lives Soundtrack

The goddess Athena in The Odyssey plays a very important role. Athena, in a sense, plays the role of guardian angle to Odyssues, Telemachus, and Penelope. She provides all of them with hope, confidence, and help throughout the novel.

An example of Athena looking out for Odyssues occurs within the first few pages of the novel in Book 1. "Olympian Zeus, have you no care for him in your lofty heart? Did he never win your favor with sacrifices burned beside the ships on the broad plain of Troy? Why, Zeus, why so dead set against Odysseus?" (72-76) Athena argues with the God's about Odyssues and makes up a plan to help bring him home. Athena helps Telemachus by giving him courage in Book 3. "Telemachus, no more shyness, this is not the time! We sailed the seas for this, for news of your father-where does he lie buried? what fate does he meet? So go right up to Nestor, breakor of horses. We'll make him yield the secrets of his heart. Press him yourself to tell the whole truth: he'll never lie-the man is far too wise. (16-21) Athena helps Telemachus become more outgoing and less shy by convincing him to talk to King Nestor. Finally, Athena helps Penelope by giving her hope during hard times in Book 4. "With that she lulled Penelope's grief and dried her eyes of tears." (855-856) Athena soothes Penelope's fears by visiting her as a phantom. She is able to calm Penelope and restore hope in her.

For my song I chose Look After You by The Fray. I felt that this described Athena's purpose in the novel. She is constantly looking after Telemachus, Odyssues, and Penelope and this is exactly what The Fray's song is about - looking out for those you love.