In the Odyssey, Homer makes the Gods function as helpers to human. The Gods often put on disguises to help the Odysseus …show more content…
In the beginning of his play the Gods are upset and so he has to deal with all the problems in Thebes, where he rules. The crops are not growing, there is a serve drought, children are dying, and the plague is killing entire population. All the troubles start after the reported death of Laius the city's former leader. The troubles are result of the city not finding Laius's murderer. This shows the direct non-human intervention of the Gods on Oedipus and his city. Oedipus at first shows respect to the Gods and sent Creon to an oracle to seek Apollos advice on the matter. Oedipus accepts Apollos advise of searching for Laius's murderer. Of course the irony is that Oedipus is the killer but he does not know that. Throughout book, humans go to Apollo seeking advice and help. But then act differently in a useless effort to change their fate.
The relationship between Gods and humans differs from play to play in ancient works. In the Odyssey the Gods ask mostly as guides and the human follow the Gods words. In Oedipus, however, the Gods give advice when asked but Oedipus attempts to act on free will in an effort to change his destiny. The Gods do seem to be in control the entire time though because in the end, Oedipus does not manage to outrun his fate. The Gods once again are seen giving advice to human