In Greek mythology, Athena protected the Greek hero Odysseus during the Trojan War.
Athena favored Odysseus because of his intelligence, strategic ability, and practical wisdom. During the war, she supported the Greek cause and helped Odysseus in several episodes, including the plan involving the wooden horse. Her association with clever tactics made her a natural divine ally for him.
Athena’s support continued after Troy fell. In Homer’s Odyssey, she repeatedly helps Odysseus return to Ithaca, protects his son Telemachus, and guides the final restoration of his household. Her relationship with Odysseus is one of the strongest human-divine partnerships in Greek epic.
Athena did not support every Greek warrior equally. Her loyalties in the Trojan cycle reflect the wider conflict among the gods, with Aphrodite generally favoring the Trojans after Paris awarded her the prize in the Judgment of Paris.