William Kloezeman ENGL 44A TTh 8-9:25 Dr.

Oventile 14 October 2010 Athena: The Goddess of Reason In the book Greek Gods, Human Lives : What We Can Learn from Myths, MaryLefkowitz argues that the Greek gods in The Iliad initiate and influence every significant human action. Without the gods interference and support, mortal accomplishments are empty because they are the deeds of individuals and do not reflect a greater, mystical relationship between the earthly and the divine. Lefkowitz shows how second-tier gods, such as Apollo and Athena, interact with mortals, sometimes directly, to promote the will of higher gods such as Zeus and Hera. However, more than merely serving as Heras mouthpiece and enforcer between gods and men, Athena, as the goddess of wisdom, protects and guides those mortals who are capable of using reason rather than rage to determine their actions. Lefkowitz argues that, in The Iliad, any event that happens without human intervention can be understood as a sign from the gods (59). If this premise is extended beyond natural occurrences to the realm of human action then, logically, great feats of human achievement must also be inextricably connected with the will of the gods. Therefore, there can be no significant human accomplishment without the aid of the gods (Lefkowitz 59), and the glory gained by the individual who performs such deeds enhances the prestige of every member of the heros society by association. While some human beings may think that they have control of their destinies and that they make the important decisions,it is only the exceptional mortal who bears in mind that nothing can happen contrary to the will of Zeus (Lefkowitz 58).

According to Lefkowitz, Athenas main role in The Iliad is to protect, warn and guide these exceptional mortals on the Greek side. She argues that, in Book One, while Athenas brief appearance provides a means of explaining why Achilles decides not to draw his sword against Agamemnon[it] has a larger meaning as well (57-8). Athenas undisguised presentation of herself to Achilles, and Achilles alone, shows that Achilles is more respectful of the gods than Agamemnon, and he understands more clearly than Agamemnon what they can do to help or hinder human action (Lefkowitz 58). Athena, therefore, is not only the goddess of wisdom in The Iliad, but also the instrument of divine revelation to those heroes who prove worthy of it. As well as Achilles, Diomedes shows that he is worthy of Athenas personal attention. While the gods usually visit mortals in disguise, so as not to alarm them (Lefkowitz 57), Athena appears to him undisguised because, for reasons not made clear, Diomedes alone is allowed to be fully aware of the extent of the gods involvement in the mortals lives (Lefkowitz 64). When Diomedes is injured, Athena responds by giving him strength and lifting the mist from his eyes so that he can recognize both gods and men (61). Athena lends Diomedes both physical and mental support in the battle because he is one of those exceptional mortals who is fully open and respectful to the influence of the gods. Her role in The Iliad is to bless those mortals who, rather than being ruled by their passions, are susceptible to reason as a guide to their actions. These blessings include not just martial skill, but also deeper insight into the will of those divine beings that rule the Greek world.

Works Cited Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1990. Print.

Lefkowitz, Mary R. Greek Gods, Human Lives : What We Can Learn from Myths. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003. Print.