Updated 13 August, 2023
Answer:
As goddess of wisdom and war, and protector of Athens and heroes, Athena has little to fear. In mythology, she is immensely powerful and immortal, but in The Odyssey the story of her contest with Poseidon reveals her only fear. This is the fear of being defeated.
Detailed answer:
Athena, the champion of the gods, the goddess of wisdom, is one of most powerfull women in The Odyssey. As she is also the Goddess of war and battle, she understands Odysseus and the struggle he has been through. She aids Odysseus in the most deadly and difficult situations. Athena is confidant, practical, intelligent, and sly, while pitying Telemachus and Odysseus. She is the master of disguise, which is key in Odysseus' world. Athena embodies strength, bravery, and justice in her role as Mentor in disguise.
Although her wisdom and dedication made her fit to lead, Athena was still met with challenges along the way where she had to prove herself. Most notably was the power struggle with Poseidon for the city of Athens.
In the end of Book VI of the Odyssey, Odysseus sends up a pray to Athena, the Greek goddess of Wisdom and Warfare. It then says Athena does not openly acknowledge him. The reason being that she feared Poseidon's wrath.
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