A God-sized Ego

The odyssey, in its original context as an oral tradition, served as more than just an enthralling story and source of entertainment; it was a public way of educating about the polytheistic Greek religion, and the complex structure of the immortal family that was at its forefront. As a result, it’s a great resource to discover not only the stories of the gods, but how they interacted with and were viewed by humans. It’s been clear since the beginning that the gods manipulate life on the mortal earth to conform to their own wishes, at least as much as their power will permit. Yet it seemed as if the gods did so for legitimate reasons. In the case of Poseidon’s rage for Odysseus, he was motivated by concern for his own family. Calypso’s obsession with Odysseus can be explained by a simple desire to save a helpless man, and be loved in returen. These are entirely human emotions, which in fact blur the separation between mortals and immortals. The gods seem to be no more than deathless humans with greater influence.
Yet the last couple of books have made it seem as if the separation between mortals and immortals is more distinct. In fact, the gods seemed to behave similarly to the Babylonian immortals; pursuing their own interest with an immaturity and lack of wisdom that is atypical of gods. It is through this vein that I began to realize the gods might influence the lives of human not out of concern, but out of a desire to feel powerful. Is Athena’s helping Odysseus an act of kindness, or an indirect way to challenge the power of Poseidon? Is the decree sent down from Zeus to Calypso to let Odysseus go a step towards justice, or a reminder of the hierarchy of power? Are the constant sacrifices and libations demanded by the gods simply there to reinforce their power?
These questions are tough to answer, because at the end of it all the gods are mythical beings, and knowing in full their thoughts and motivations is powerful. One thing is clear; they care about their own dominion more than any mortal, and feel threatened when that authority is challenged. “That’s why noble Eurytus died a sudden death,” explains Odyseeus to the Phaeacians in Book 8, “no old age, creeping upon himi in his halls… Apollo shot him down, enraged that the man had challenged him, the Archer God” (Lines 256-259). He’s not the only one who’s suffered as a result of a god’s own untamable pride; Ajax was killed, and Odysseus tormented, both because of acts that seemingly insulted Poseidon and his family.
In short, pride is everything. It’s true for the men who seek to prove themselves in sport. It’s true for the jealous gods, who are willing to embarrass each other to save their own dignity (the story of Hephaestus, Ares and Aphrodite). And it may prove true that pride in their immortal status might be the main driver behind all the gods’ actions. We’ll have to wait and see.