Final answer:
Athene, disguised at the start, helps Odysseus in secret, acting as his protector and guide throughout his challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
While disguised at the start of the story in Greek mythology, Athene helps Odysseus in secret. This often involves guiding him through various challenges without revealing her true identity immediately.
In contrast to being openly disruptive or abandoning Odysseus without aid, Athena's role is typically that of a protector and a strategist who assists him from behind the scenes. There are various instances in epics where gods and goddesses intervene indirectly or directly in the lives of mortals, as often depicted in Greek tragedies and mythological tales.