Divine Intervention in Homers Epic Poem, The Iliad Essay

The gods and goddesses that the Greek people believe in make up the Greek mythology studied today. These divine characters represent a family living on Mount Olympus who intervene frequently in the lives of the human characters in Greek plays. They are omnipresent, for they are always observing mans actions and working through human nature. The gods are a higher power, and provide explanations for otherwise unexplainable events. The gods help humans in trouble and give them guidance about the future. The Olympians influence men on earth both psychologically and physically. In Homers epic poem, The Iliad, the intervention of such divine powers as Athena, Apollo, and Zeus play†¦show more content†¦This intervention is the greatest assist of a divine power to a human being in The Iliad. Athena also plays an influential role in the battles of Diomedes. Martin Mueller reveals, Athena is closest to Diomedes. She is with him at the beginning and end of his aristeia and she addresses him without disguise (136). Athena also urges Diomedes to fight Aphrodite. With this command, she removes the cloud from his eyes which made him able to see the gods. Furthermore, as Robert Graves states, She put fresh strength into his legs and arms, which allowed him to sustain in battle with Aphrodite (104). Athena instructs Diomedes not to attack any other gods; but, Diomedes does not take her advice, and fights against Apollo and other gods, which causes Diomedes to retreat until he is saved by being reunited with Athena. This powerful goddess assistsd Diomedes greatly as she does the other characters in The Iliad. Another Greek warrior who is helped by Athena was Pandaros. Athena encourages him to break the truce with Menelaos , but, as Steiner states, This does not lessen his own responsibility for his treachery - He is a fool to be persuaded (46). Then, she switches to Menelaos side, to prevent any serious harm from the arrow that was shot. Athena protectsShow MoreRelatedHomer’S Two Tales, The Iliad And The Odyssey, Are Both1749 Words   |  7 PagesHomer’s two tales, the Iliad and the Odyssey, are both incredibly well known and widely taught across the world and at many different levels of education. Some call Homer the â€Å"greatest poet to ever live† and although this can be disputed his works truly speak for themselves and have braved the test of time quite well. This paper will cover who/whom Homer is as a person, or persons, and the time period of his writings, the truths versus the dramatizations of the Iliad and Odyssey, how the author’sRead MoreRelationship Between Achilles And Iliad1079 Words   |  5 Pagescan bravely lead others. In this time period, earning honor for yourself, your family, and your city-state was the most important for a man to achieve. 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