the role of the immortals

• Zeus is portrayed in his supreme position as ruler of Olympus and protector of suppliants
• Athene and Poseidon take major roles in the plot
• their actions shape the story
• Athene protects him from his release to his reunion with P
• Poseidon sends the trials on his journey
• they reveal the heroic nature of Ody
• they provide justice, but gleeful vengeance if they have been thwarted
• they add to the fantasy and can, at whim, do what they want, providing tension and surprise