Athena, "You've Got a Friend"

Athena is a goddess who is always willing to help others get out of a tough situation. I think she exemplifies a strong willed woman because of her ability to be there for other people when they need her most. I like that Athena is a strong goddess who tests her own strength by helping others and that she disguises herself when she does so.

In two situations, she has demonstrated her ability to assist others in difficult situations. During book two, she disguises herself as a friend of Odysseus and gives Telemachus hope and courage that he can succeed on his journey to find his father, “Athena came to his prayer from close at hand, for all the world with Mentor’s build and voice and she urged him on with willing words” (300-302). Later, in book five, she saves Odysseus from the storm that Poseidon has created against him, “Zeus’s daughter Athena countered him at once. The rest of the winds she stopped right in their tracks, commanding them all to hush now, go to sleep” (421-423).

James Taylor’s song “You’ve Got a Friend” is a moving piece that represents the support a person needs during tough times. The lyrics fully embrace Athena’s willingness to encourage others to do their best when times turn difficult. In particular, these lyrics illustrate the encouragement Athena always gives to others and her ability to be there whenever they need her, because she is a goddess: “When you’re down and troubled /And you need a helping hand / And nothing, whoa nothing is going right. / Close your eyes and think of me / And soon I will be there / To brighten up even your darkest nights. / You just call out my name, / And you know wherever I am / Ill come running, oh yeah baby / To see you again.” Athena is more than willing to lend a hand, whether it’s giving Telemachus hope, or saving Odysseus from the shipwreck, she’s always there and ready to help.