Odyssey (13-14)

I find it funny how the people refuse to help the sinking ship because it was part of a prophecy. Then I thought about how they acted that way because the gods had so much power over them (because the gods actually had real powers) and how there are so many people who would follow what their religion or leader of religion tells them to do because their religion has such a strong hold on them, that it can make them do anything it wants, even if the act is dangerous or immoral, etc.

I'm confused as to why Athena still feels the need to disguise herself, and then act that way towards Odysseus. Why can't she just come out as Athena and say what she has to say? Well I guess that would make her too humanly then...to be simple minded with simple thoughts.

Eumaeus seems like a really kind person. He reminds me of one of those old people that live in almost the middle of nowhere, or in some weird place, and when a new person in the city/town is travelling and everyone is "too busy" or just too full of themselves to help the new person, that old person will always do so, and be extremely hospitable. It's in movies and stuff.

I'm surprised that the people of Ithaca (including Penelope and Telemachus) still believe that Odysseus is alive, even after 20 years. They take to it such an extreme, that I think they're still assuming Odysseus as king of Ithaca (that's what the was, right?) Perhaps if they weren't such an important family, then it wouldn't matter as much, but since they are, don't they need to crown a new king? Unless Penelope is the ruler, but I'm not sure if women were allowed to rule during that time. You'd think because they're so important and they're leaving such an important position empty, they would do something about it. Perhaps go find Odysseus if they really wanted.

I don't understand the point of Odysseus dressing up as a poor homeless person. Just so we could hear what Eumaeus had to say about it?