ABSTRACT
The relationship with Athene in the Odyssey is humorous, affectionate; it operates by making links with other family members rather than by instructions; and it is evolutionary—her presence or absence responding to Odysseus’ state of mind. During the opening council of the gods, Athene takes the opportunity of Poseidon’s temporary absence from Olympus to discuss how to affect Odysseus’ return to civilization, since at the moment he seems stranded beyond its reach. Telemachos having put out a feeler in the direction of his father and demonstrated his commitment, Athene turns to the situation of Odysseus himself, in order to forge the reciprocal link. Odysseus manages to achieve the poetic orientation because he has finally renewed contact with Athene. The meaning of being “Athene’s favourite” has changed—as indeed, Athene herself has evolved. Odysseus is no longer the architect of the wooden horse: instead, he has become, like Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of Athene’s weavers.
