Women in Homer's "The Odyssey"

Women are beneficial and indispensable. In the epic poem "The Odyssey," woven masterfully by Homer, the women Odysseus meets prove to be fastidious and go out of their way to further Odysseus' journey home. Throughout his journey, Odysseus often finds himself in situations that would otherwise end in disaster without the help of women. Examples of such women can be found in Penelope, Athena, and Nausicaa; Madonnas all.
Throughout the epic, Penelope shows to the reader that she is a staunch and unwavering supporter of Odysseus. Despite twenty agonizing years with no word, Penelope still believes in her husband and vigorously wards off the unscrupulous suitors. One would assume that after such a period of wait, Penelope would feel nothing towards Odysseus and yet, "she [falls] to weeping for [him], her beloved husband" (Page 89). She does not take the easy way out that is marrying one of the suitors to end the constant bombardment on her house and the constant harassment to her family. When news reaches Penelope that Odysseus has died at sea, she does not lose heart or conviction. When even the repugnant beggar arrives with news of Odysseus' plight, "'she ushers him in, kindly, pressing for details... the loyal wife's way," (Page 305). Not only does Penelope fervently believe in Odysseus, she also assists him in winning back his crown and his life. When Odysseus finally returns home, a savage people that know him not greets him. Penelope gives Odysseus an advantage when she suggests a contest that would give her to "'the hand that can string [the great bow] with the greatest ease,'" (Page 426). Only with the assistance of Penelope was Odysseus able to decimate the suitors and regain the crown. Odysseus also has the backing of other women that make his journey home a success.
Athena is another woman, goddess really, who actively pushes Odysseus along and in the right direction. Without her infinite wisdom and unrivaled strength, Odysseus would have nary a hope of safely returning home. She is the one who pleads with the "'immortal gods who rule the vaulting skies," (Page 79). Athena implores Zeus to "care for [Odysseus]," (Page 79). Athena makes a powerful ally for Odysseus that is Zeus that will be crucial in helping him prevail over Poseidon's wrath. Through his journey, Athena "always stands beside [him],

The last woman that gives significant help to Odysseus without expecting reward or compensation is Nausicaa. Despite being captivated by Odysseus who was under a spell to make him look more striking, Nausicaa still makes a conscious decision to further Odysseus' quest for the comfort of his homeland. Nausicaa assures Odysseus that "[he will] never lack for clothing or any other gift," (Page 174). By giving Odysseus materials that direly requires accentuates the fact that she is deserving of being categorized as a Madonna. All that is in her heart is helping Odysseus to see "[his] native land at last," (Page 178). Surely, as there is no profit or gain for her in giving Odysseus any sustenance or shelter, one would think that Nausicaa would turn away the savage reeking of a beggar that turns up at her doorstep. Not only is it a conundrum and paradox as to why she would give such benefits to Odysseus of whom she just made an acquaintance, but also why she has such audacity to want to help him achieve his goals. Her behavior towards Odysseus is totally unwarranted, eccentric, and unconventional but also ironically, again proves her kindheartedness as a Madonna.

The trials and tribulations that Odysseus faces would be insurmountable without aid from the Madonnas that he encounters. Only with the help of Penelope, Athena, and Nausicaa did Odysseus eventually manage to reclaim his title and his family.