The Immortals
Their actions shape the story
They reveal Odysseus’ heroism
They provide justice and vengeance
They add to the fantasy
They seem to mirror the mortals
o They meet in assemblies – Book I
o They have a hierarchy – Athene will not help Odysseus in the middle of Book V out of
deference to Poseidon; Poseidon consults with Zeus before punishing the Phaeacians (in
Book XIII)
o Women are ‘less’ – Calypso is outraged by the double standards on Olympus in Book V;
Demodocus’ song says that the males enjoy Ares’ and Aphrodite’s capture, while the
women stay at home.
Only heroes can see them
Their actions shape the story
They reveal Odysseus’ heroism
They provide justice and vengeance
They add to the fantasy
They seem to mirror the mortals
o They meet in assemblies – Book I
o They have a hierarchy – Athene will not help Odysseus in the middle of Book V out of
deference to Poseidon; Poseidon consults with Zeus before punishing the Phaeacians (in
Book XIII)
o Women are ‘less’ – Calypso is outraged by the double standards on Olympus in Book V;
Demodocus’ song says that the males enjoy Ares’ and Aphrodite’s capture, while the
women stay at home.
Only heroes can see them
