In Homer's era, women played a very specific role in society and also in literature. Women of this time were basically put in a box and expected to never step out of line. If they went against the men's refereeing, they would face serious consequences. However, female characters play a huge role in both aiding and delaying Odysseus' journey home. I will proceed to analyze and interpret the actions and intentions of all the main female characters in the Odyssey. The first major female character introduced in this epic is Penelope. Penelope is the wife of Odysseus and the mother of Telemachus. She is portrayed as a strong-willed widow, who even after not seeing Odysseus for twenty years, maintains his faith in her. She is a testament to the women of this era in that she is not mistreated by men. The unknown writer of a website analyzing the role of women in ancient Greek art writes of Penelope: "One of the points that can be made about the story is that, even if women are weaker than men, there are tools available to keep them from being overwhelmed. The main instrument is the rule of law, but even before the laws, customs could be used” (rwaag.org). Odysseus returns from his journey and she once again demonstrates her intelligence by hosting the archery competition to prove that Odysseus exists. She later lights a flame within Telemachus to embark on his journey to find his father. At the first destination reached by Telemachus, Athena appears once again in the court of King Nestor. She appears in the form of an eagle to represent that she is alongside Telemachus on his righteous journey to find his father. When she learns of her son's departure, Penelope becomes extremely distraught. In an attempt to reassure and comfort her, Athena appears as a “shimmering ghost” and utters these comforting words: “Courage and do not be so afraid. The guide who accompanies him is the one many men pray to be at their side, a powerful ally: Pallas Athena. And she pities you in your sorrow, for it is she who sent me to tell you this” (Homer 342). There are many motivations for Athena in the Odyssey. Some might argue that he relates to Penelope and provides protection to her family over the years. Others might say that she is in love with Odysseus because of their related character traits. Athena basically takes on the maternal role of watching over both Telemachus and Odysseus. It tracks the journeys of both men and allows them to go through tribulations to grow emotionally and spiritually. Brian Lower, a professor of literature at Union College, wrote: "Athena allows Odysseus to experience the storm, but not to die. She knows that this will make him stronger. There is a