Something interesting about The Odyssey is the constant reminder the gods give Odysseus and Telemachus to be strong and keep going. Not only did Athena take favor on Odysseus, she then turns her favor on his son; a man who is in no way bold or daring as his father was before him. She encourages Telemachus to maintain a steady heart and press on when faced with adversity. Athena then bestows her graciousness upon Odysseus once more as he leaves Calypso's island. She keeps the winds at bay when he cries out and comes to him as a small girl in the land of the Phaeacian's. She guides him to the kings house, all the while doing her best to strengthen his morale.
For all the work Athena has put into building up Telemachus and Odysseus, I can't help but wonder why she waited so long to intervene. The thought crossed my mind that she may have been waiting on Telemachus to mature some. Even if that is the case, she could have spent some time before now helping him realize his potential. I suppose in this aspect Athena is like a portrayal of God in a sense. God waits until he feels the time is right to act in our lives; never on our command or call. I have taken this to be the nature of the gods. They do what they need to do when they see fit. No sooner no later.
P.S. I commented on Sydni Holm's post
As I was reading your blog, I had the same thought that Athena seemed to portray God's characteristic timing. Telemachus may have also wondered why step in now. Why did she wait so long? We as onlookers wonder the same thing. However, God is not obligated to let us in on his timing just as Athena never explained why she has now decided to step in and help.
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