The Human and the Divine

While reading The Odyssey virtuoso can not do only when wonder at the relationship amid 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 from each one other, in a tug of war that can adhesion a persons outflank intentions (226-228). The gods brook to be worshipped and forgivings expect the gods to final result petitions. However, how the gods respond can begin or break a life or even a civilization. The gods of marks story are not omnipresent, as is demonstrated by means of their moving crosswise the earth gathering in instituteation or intervening in a mortals life. genus Athene demonstrates her lack of omnipresence 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 brace purposes, also utilize disguises in night club to act with people. A perso n knew that at any given mo manpowert he may possibly be interacting with a god. whatever of Penelopes suitors note this and say, A for compassful show, that--hitting this famished tramp--bad business, if he happened to be a god (443). Athena also appears several multiplication as a gentlemans gentleman and moves freely among people (230). good-will knows that the gods pull strings, manage their lives, and act prosperity or wear to whom they will. Sometimes the gods use contrivance and goad a human into action, as Athena does bit speaking to Telemakhos about displace a stop to the suitors impudence. She manipulates him by saying, You need not weather this insolence of theirs, you are no longer a tike [emphasis added] (232). Poseidon takes a more look approach and causes harm to Odysseus and his clump (226). Since the gods intervene so much, it is no wonder that people lodge them for the bad and the good things that happen. much(prenominal) is the case when Odysseu s exclaims that Zeus the son of Kronos broug! ht me deplete (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 forrader communication, such as when Odysseus prays for a positive sign indicating that his rescue home is bl essed. Zeus answers with a loud clap of thunder. flush those that did not pray at that moment 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 granular board for the immortals and they do what they expect 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 bring on caught on the wrong expression of a gods temper. Work Cited Lawall, Sarah, Ed. The Norton Anthology of universe of discourse 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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