Homer

I read Book 5 of the Odyssey where all the Gods are gathered around discussing Odysseus’s fate. Athena convinces Zeus to intervene on behalf of Odysseus to be free to return home. The most interesting thing that I had not previously considered, is the female role and voice in this part of the story. There is an appeal to the nurturing and empathetic nature of women and an obvious male-God dominated power structure but on balance the female Gods prove to be the more “moral” of the Gods or at the very least the more trustworthy and logical.

One reason this is true is based on the goddess Calypso, her dilemma, and how she handles it.

The interesting dynamic between Calypso and the messenger God Hermes points to a strategic and assertive goddess who ultimately yielded to authority, despite her sound reason. Calypso is welcoming to Hermes, showing him respect even though she was not expecting his visit. She is hospitable and feeds him - I think as an attempt to garner sympathy before hearing whatever message he came to give her. Calypso had been holding Odysseus captive as her lover and was initially unwilling to let him go. I especially like when she says “the gods are harsh and far too jealous— more so than others. They are unhappy if goddesses make mortal men their partners and take them to bed for sex” because she was not afraid to indict the male Gods for their contradictions and double standards. She uses empirical evidence but even more so emphasizes her efforts in saving Odysseus, providing for him, and even making sure their environment is undeniably beautiful.

She reluctantly agreed to Zeus’ orders but it wasn’t until she saw the unhappiness in Odysseus that she realized it was the right thing to let him go. Her realization did not stem from an order but instead an interaction indicative of a compassionate sentiment. She made a decision rooted in her love for man rather than intervening simply because of her power. I think this particular feminine perspective was incorporated to play into the Homeric Heristic about the Gods. That yes, sometimes the Gods can intervene to a point of fear, but there can also be comfort in the idea of your knowing your fate and the Gods taking mercy on you.