Athena & Virgil

The texts The Odyssey by Homer, and Inferno by Dante, are two epic poems that tell great adventures yet risky tales of the two protagonists from the epics. The time lapse between the epics allowed for one to be influenced by the other. Dante’s work makes several references to both Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey. Similarities between the two texts can be a number of pages long, as well as the differences. The structure of these two works is fragmented into sections, may it be books or Cantos, either or, still delivering the epic poems in their unique ways. A clear contrast is the guidance that these two received within their extensive journeys through their hell – figuratively in Odysseus’ case, and quite literally in Dante’s. Though, these texts tell extensive stories of their journeys, what really aids either character to develop, is their aid through their hell. That being Athena for Odysseus and Virgil for Dante. These two characters may not hold the focal point of the epics yet still hold a significant value to the development of both. Athena holds the image of the one who protects Odysseus through his challenging journey back home after the Trojan War. As per Virgil who leads Dante in efforts to aid him through the stages of hell to save his soul.  The difference that lies between these two is their methods of their aid.

Odysseus faces a multitude of challenges, challenges that he likely would have been able to handle. Though the ending of the epic poem may have ended differently without the guidance of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. Throughout the text she uses her wisdom in efforts to guide Odysseus through a series of indirect messages. This is something that makes the relationship stand out between Odysseus and Athena, her favor towards Odysseus stems from his own character. Through and through again, Athena performs a series of word spreads and events and meetings with other characters throughout the text in efforts to aid Odysseus.  Her favoritism towards him may not easily be clear to the reader as she is known as the Goddess of Wisdom, however she is far more than just that. Being that Odysseus is a worrier and a witty one at that, peaks her War side. Athena is not only the goddess of wisdom, but the Goddess of War, in the sense of strategic war planning. Their connection likely becomes clearer in her drive to help him. Athena herself even makes this evident, first she compliments his tactics and how cunning he is, then says, “ Two of a kind, we are, [350] contrivers, both. Of all men now alive you are the best in plots and story telling.” (Homer 13: 350-352). Thereon after the comparison she makes between the two she reveals to Odysseus that she has been by his side aiding him. It takes a lot for a mortal to be compared to a goddess, by the goddess herself at that. Though Athena admits to why she aids him, we also know that Athena also gives him slight advantages. These are slight because the Grey-Eyed goddess herself is fully aware of the tactical capability that Odysseus has. It is known from the start that Athena had chosen to help Odysseus and had high hopes that he would succeed on his journey with her aid. The lack of her presence is what ultimately allowed for Odysseus to develop as a character, He remained humble as he was from the start, which is a development. This constant attitude is seen as a development because he did not break, though time and time again there were obstacles that were thrown in his way to steer him off his course from returning home. Though, his guardian, Athena, will not have allowed for that to happen. She was determined to allow for this hard fighting tactical worrier to be able to live out the rest of his life with his family in peace.

In a time that takes place centuries earlier lies the story of Dante’s journey through the circles of hell in order to absolve his soul. This journey was guided and accompanied by Virgil. Though guidance was not the only serviced that he provided for Dante, he also protected Dante from the evils that laid within the circles that constructed their hell. The journey that lies before Dante is with Virgil the entire time, however even though it was not exactly Virgil’s request to be with Dante, he is still with him through the entirety of the journey and his efforts are shown as early as within the first circle, Dante where prior to entering, faints. Though the Poet, Virgil still takes the lead and tell him that he will lead the way through hell. It is almost constant where Dante feels he can no longer continue onto the next circle, yet there is still a drive that Virgil shares with Dante in order to help him to move forward. However, much of the guidance that Virgil provides is not just physical protection, but as well as reason and understanding. There is a point in which Virgil explains to Dante what he is to be exposed to before entering the first circle, explaining, “they were unbaptized,/ denied the gateway to the faith that you profess./ ‘And if they lived before the Christians lived,/ they did not worship God aright./ And among these I am one.” (Dante 4: 31-39). This is not just informing Dante of what is to be before him, but it also provided a sense of trust, as Virgil gives Dante a piece of information of him to Dante one who has never met. The relationship between Dante and Virgil is an ever-growing one. With every obstacle that crosses their paths draws them closer. However, in drawing them closer it is also educating Dante. Giving him light to see more than he did prior. Virgil feeds Dante with information of what they cross paths with, as Dante says himself, he “begged him to bestow on me the food for which he had given me the appetite.” (Dante 14: 89-90). Striving for the knowledge that his guide, aid and protector had to offer. The respect that Dante had for Virgil was clear, perhaps it was mor than just because Virgil was keeping him from harms way through their journey.            

            The two guides prove to be more than just those wanting to help. They hold the similarities in representations. Being that she was the goddess of wisdom, Athena represented the subconscious within people. Where one may continue if they remain humble. As Athena did not tell Odysseus he still kept his humbleness, belief and determination that he was going home, with or without the help of the Gods. As per Virgil, it appears that he represents reason and the meaning with reason, that being, needing to understand to move forward. Though their goals were to help the ones they were aiding. They still executed this differently. Athena had chosen to help Odysseus in his journey. She did this because they had similarities and an almost equal mind for wit. Though with Virgil, he was requested to take Dante through hell. Admittedly, the two share the interest of being poets. There was an outside influence that had these two brought together.

In their efforts, Athena for the most part helped Odysseus in ways he likely was not even aware was even Athena’s doings. It was only until the two were able to speak does she admit that she sulked in the corner waiting for danger to go through his way. However, it was different between Dante and Virgil, where it was for more physical and in the moment between these two. Virgil and Dante were side by side nearly the entire journey through the circles. Though, the relationship with Virgil and Dante evolved as it was known by both parties, as per Athena and Odysseus the relationship was only aware by one party for the most part. Virgil goal is to part ways with Dante so that he may ascend into heaven. The relationship is not the only difference, in addition there is the perception the mentee has of their mentors. For instance, Odysseus was not entirely aware of Athena’s aid, therefore, Athena was merely another god that he respected, likely because of his status of a warrior and king. Though this is different between Dante and Virgil as Dante had seen him as not just a guide but a mentor. Someone who was teaching him to avoid the wrongs, do the good and to be absolved from that ‘inferno’ hell.

            Those who aid are those that are either present or present indirectly. Of the two methods, it will each depend on the one receiving the aid to determine how they use the help they are receiving. Both Odysseus and Dante used the aid they were receiving to better themselves to obtain their goals. The comparison between Athena and Virgil showed how their principles were similar and methods differed. Without the strive to maintain their focus on their goal they might have strayed off their path and lead the readers into completely different outcomes. Though Athena and Virgil delivered their aid in different methods they were still both who were as determined as the ones they were guiding. The drives to aid them to their goal likely radiated off to their mentees where they felt a drive to continue to their goal as well. Weather that may be through hope, and faith through worship and praise, or through understanding, reason and listening, there is always a guidance present somewhere. May that be direct or indirect.