The Odyssey

Sacrifices are pivotal to the plot of The Odyssey, for punishment awaits he who does not pay proper respect to the gods; we already know that Poseidon has wreaked havoc on Odysseus for blinding his son, Polyphemus. Athena reminds Telemachus of the power of the gods, and it is impossible to underestimate the influence of the gods in Greek culture and mythology: the Greeks believed everything was fated by the gods, so it is vital to be on their good side.