The Human and the Divine

While reading The Odyssey unmatched can not sustain only when wonder at the relationship betwixt immortals and mortals. It appears to be a complicated give and take. Not only do the gods reign the universe of discourse, but they try to rule for each one other, in a tug of war that can stymy a persons outflank intentions (226-228). The gods stock to be worshipped and forgivings expect the gods to final result petitions. However, how the gods respond can devise or break a life or even a civilization. The gods of homers story are not omnipresent, as is demonstrated by their moving crosswise the earth gathering in instituteation or intervening in a mortals life. genus Athene demonstrates her lack of ubiquitousness by visit the home of Odysseus to observe what is going on in his base (227). In contrast, todays Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have an omnipresent god. The gods, for their piss purposes, also utilize disguises in night club to interact with people. A person knew that at any given turn he may possibly be interacting with a god. nigh of Penelopes suitors note this and say, A for draw a bead onful show, that--hitting this famished tramp--bad business, if he happened to be a god (443). Athena also appears several propagation as a piece and moves freely among people (230). homo knows that the gods pull strings, manage their lives, and act prosperity or prostitute to whom they will. Sometimes the gods use contrivance and goad a human into action, as Athena does bit speaking to Telemakhos about position a stop to the suitors impudence. She manipulates him by saying, You need not substantiate this insolence of theirs, you are no longer a infant [emphasis added] (232). Poseidon takes a more look approach and causes harm to Odysseus and his faction (226). Since the gods intervene so much, it is no wonder that people piece them for the bad and the good things that happen. much(prenominal) is the case when Odysseus excla ims that Zeus the son of Kronos brought me ! cut down (461). In this instance, Odysseus claims that his own actions did not cause his decline to a beggar, but was a gods fault. Humanity has two main duties to the gods: To make sacrifices in the form of meat, blood, grain, honey, and wine, and to pray to the gods (281, 247, 374, and 461). However, neither of these means that one would find estimation with the gods. It is interesting to note that humanity expects answers from the deities. Homer makes it clear that in that location is a back and forrard communication, such as when Odysseus prays for a positive sign indicating that his guide home is blessed. Zeus answers with a loud clap of thunder. yet those that did not pray at that mo manpowert knew that someones supplication had been answered (476-477). The interactions between mortals and immortals is complex, and yet simple. The gods run the world and the affairs of men and men pray to the gods, while hoping for a positive response. It is as though the world is a gra nular board for the immortals and they do what they compliments on a whim. opt can be with a person and suddenly lost. Everything from the acclivity sun to the storms at sea is handled by the gods. Meanwhile, humans intrust that they will not pulsate caught on the wrong expression of a gods temper. Work Cited Lawall, Sarah, Ed. The Norton Anthology of serviceman Literature: Beginning to 100. second ed. Vol. A. London: W.W. Norton and Company, 2001. Odyssey. pp. 388-401 and 416-516. If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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