Question

Define “divine intervention” and provide examples from the book illustrating ways that Athena assisted the main characters in their plights by divinely intervening.

Answer 1

Divine intervention is when the gods do something 'against the rules' to help someone. I'm not sure what book you're talking about but a regular example would be if someone prayed while someone else was banging on the doors and the doors magically turned to stone

Answer 2

Divine intervention refers to instances in which a God interferes in a mortal's life in order to bring him some benefit. The idea of divine intervention carries a connotation of not being allowed according to divine rules.

In The Odyssey, there are many examples of Athena interfering with the characters in order to help them. Athena helps Odysseus during the shipwreck in Book 5 and in the battle of Book 22. She also intervenes by sending Telemachus to Pylos and Sparta, and by appearing to Penelope in dreams.