Even before the Odyssey begins, disguise is an important theme in Greek stories. This includes the story of Odysseus and his adventures during the Trojan War and is trip homeward. Starting in the beginning of the book Odysseus is thought to be lost at war. This results Telemachus living in a house full of suitors with his mom. These suitors live in side the palace eating their food and using up all their resources. Since the immaturity of Telemachus, he is unable to convince the suitors to leave, actually making them more prone to stay. Athena, the god of wisdom, comes to Telemachus with some words of wisdom, and some advice. She is indeed in disguise. She disguises herself as an ally of Odysseus. As you all know, she tells him that he has to voyage to Sparta to find out recent news about his father. This is only one of the few occurrences where disguised is use as a big factor of this story. Also we already know that before Odysseus returns home, he disguises himself as someone else, because of the story of Agamemnon’s wife murdering him. I believe we will see many more occasions when disguise is used. What do you all think?
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Another good example of Athena disguising herself from book 13 is when she disguises herself as a young but exceptionally poised shepard boy. She does this because Odysseus doesn't believe that he has indeed reached Ithaca. Athena, disguised as the boy approaches Odysseus and tells him that he is indeed in Ithaca. He tells his untruthful story to the boy and once he is finished, the boy transforms back into Athena. Athena explains to him how she has been helping him out throughout his entire journey, almost boasting about her power. She says to Odysseus, "Ah, but you never recognized me, did you? Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus- who always stands beside you, shields you in every exploit: thanks to me the Phaeacians all embraced you warmly." (296). Is it just me or does Athena sound a little too stuck up about her powers to help Odysseus?
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