Motivations and Actions of the Gods

Homer does an impressive job of incorporating the Gods throughout The Iliad and The Odyssey. Although the main characters are mortals, they are constantly influenced by the Gods. I often find myself asking what exactly motivates the actions of the Gods. Although the relationship between the Gods is somewhat complex and ever changing, they can easily be swayed to one side or the other and even though they have the power to change things, many of them are restricted. Ironically, you see many of the mortals act more “god-like” than the actual Gods. Instead, many of the Gods appear to be selfish and egotistical. They have little concern for the general good of everyone and usually base their decisions on their personal gains and what can be acquired. Again these self-centered attributes are often the exact opposite than those of the mortals.

In addition, Homer portrays many of the Gods as deceitful or problematic. This can especially be seen when various Gods disguise their own identity. Athena does this throughout The Odyssey to help both Odysseus and Telemachus. Unfortunately, you also see many Gods change their identity right before someone is supposed to be killed – there is this idea of self hope and then before you realize it, you’ve been fooled. This was certainly the case with Hektor before his allotted amount of time on earth ran out. Homer integrates the Gods in practically every book of The Iliad and Odyssey, but leaves the audience to decide exactly how they should be perceived.