Throughout the Odyssey, disguises help the characters convey a fake identity, which is very helpful in achieving their goals. Many times it helps to meet different people and acquire useful information. Many characters use their disguises to their advantage, like Odysseus and Athena. Odysseus often disguises as a beggar in order for his journey home to be easier. Athena uses her disguises most of the time to help and assist people with their hardships and problems.

I think that Odysseus would not be such a memorable hero without the help of Athena. In the book Athena portrays many characters from a little girl to the Mentor, one of Odysseus's old friends. One reason why Athena doesn't appear as herself to give advice is, because Odysseus might not take the advice coming from Athena. But if she was disguised as the Mentor who was someone he loved and respected...