Question

In the Odyssey, gods such as Jove, Minerva, and Neptune get involved in the mortals’ affairs. What do you think it would be like if gods really intervened in human affairs as they do in the Odyssey? Do you think life would change for the better or for the worse? Explain your stance and use examples from the Odyssey that support your response.

Answer 1

Your answer should include the following points:

A discussion of what you think about gods getting involved in your daily activities.

Some instances where gods intervening in your life would really be helpful. For instance, it would be helpful if Neptune (the god of the sea) would contain the damage and destruction caused by floods, cyclones, and tornados.

Your thoughts on whether the gods’ involvement would always be beneficial and constructive. For example, Minerva’s constant support of Ulysses helps him stay alive on his journey and arrive home safely. Having supernatural support could be pretty great.

An explanation of why you believe the gods' involvement in human affairs would make life worse. For example, in the Odyssey, Neptune’s interference proved to be fatal for the Phaeacians. So if gods played favorites with humans, it could be disastrous for some people.

Answer 2

I think that the interference of gods in human life would be good if they use their experience to improve our existence, to stop certain things from happening, to help mortals.

This is what Athena tries to do for Oddyseus and his family. She disguises as a friend of Laertes, Odysseus' father. She then meets Telemachus and she advises him to meet with his mother's suitors.

Athena also connects him to kings Nestor and Menelaus so the prince can know his father, Odysseus, is actually alive.

Further evidence of positive interference is Zeus sending Hermes to convince Calypso to set Odysseus free.

On the contrary, when Poseidon, god of the sea, finds Odysseus escaping on a ship he causes a storm to sink it. He decides to do this because of revenge since Oddyseus had blinded his son on a previous adventure.

To summarize, I believe gods interference should be allowed only when it can be helpful when it can raise the quality of life.