2 Athena Helps Odysseus

CHAPTER 2 Athena Helps Odysseus The gods had started to feel sorry for Odysseus. They sat high up on Mount Olympus discussing him. Some of them took pity on him, especially the goddess Athena. She had always been fond of Odysseus. Athena hated watching him struggle to make his way home for ten years. "Just imagine how lonely he must be, stuck on that island so far away from home," said Athena. "I know Odysseus has made mistakes. He has angered us at times, but I think he has suffered long enough. We

should help him to get home." "He has been very generous to us in the past," agreed Zeus. He reminded the gods of Odysseus's many sacrifices to them. Poseidon disagreed. "He blinded my son, the king of the Cyclopes! He does not deserve to return home," he growled. But Zeus was king of the gods, and his choice ruled over all. He decided to send Athena to Ithaca, disguised as a human. She would speak with Odysseus's son, Telemachus. To help bring Odysseus home sooner, she would make Telemachus feel brave and instruct the boy to search for his father. Athena leaped up and put on her golden sandals. She flew down from the top of Mount Olympus. When she arrived at Odysseus's house, she saw Penelope's suitors lying about. They ate and drank until their

stomachs were stuffed. The men littered the floors of Odysseus's home with scraps of food. They spilled their drinks all over the beautiful carpets and chairs. They gave orders to the servants, who ran around fulfilling their wishes. Athena was shocked. The goddess, disguised as an older man, saw Telemachus standing in the corner, looking miserable. "Do you recognize me, Telemachus?" she asked. "I am an old friend of your father's." Telemachus forced a smile. "My father's friends are always welcome here," he said. "But not these men!" Telemachus shouted to the crowd of suitors. Not one paid attention to him. He turned to Athena. "I apologize for my outburst, sir. But I am very upset. These suitors will not leave, and I cannot make them. They sit here all day, eating our food

and disrespecting my father's house. I am at my wit's end! If only my father were to come back. Then these evil men would go away. But I've given up hope that I will ever see my father again." "Dear Telemachus," Athena said gently. "You are a smart, strong young man. It is time to show Ithaca what you are made of." "But how?" Telemachus asked. "Go to the town hall and call a meeting of the assembly," Athena said. "You must ask the town's leadership for help. Invite the suitors. At the end of the meeting, order them to leave your home." The next day, Telemachus went to the town hall where Ithaca's leaders sat. When he arrived, he requested a meeting. The suitors were called down from Odysseus's home to attend. The meeting started, and Telemachus

stood up to speak. He seemed to stand taller than usual. Athena had cast a spell of pride and courage upon him. He also looked extra- handsome. Athena had done that, too. Telemachus told the leaders of Ithaca what their sons, Penelope's suitors, were doing to his father's home. He urged them to help. But one of the suitors interrupted Telemachus's speech. He stood up and told everyone about the tapestry Penelope seemed to be weaving. "She promised to marry one of us when her tapestry is finished. Penelope works on her task all day long, every day. But one of her maids told me that she unravels her work every night," the suitor said, bitterly. "I am sorry, but we will not leave until she has made her choice. She must marry one of us." "How dare you speak to me this way!" Telemachus roared. "I am the man of the

house when my father is away." Athena's spell really had made him brave. "I call upon the gods to help me in my struggle. They will punish you who abuse my father's wealth and my mother's kindness." He glared at the suitors. At that moment, two eagles appeared in midair. They were involved in a fierce battle overhead. Everyone's eyes fell on the shrieking, clawing creatures. Then the eagles flew away as quickly as they appeared. The town's oldest and wisest man then stood up to say a few words. "You should listen to Telemachus," he warned the suitors. "Those fighting eagles are a sign. They suggest that trouble lies ahead for those who disobey. I have a very strong feeling that Odysseus will soon return. Let us be wise and put a stop to this wickedness before he comes back to Ithaca."