In these epics, several female characters had a profound effect on the plot. They wielded their influence through typically feminine skills and attributes: seduction, supernatural powers, intelligence, and beauty. Some of the women of The Odyssey and The Iliad influenced the actions of men, playing key roles in the epics, such as Calypso, the Sirens, Helen, or Circe; all of these women were responsible for the actions of the men. In The Iliad, Helen and Athena are two characters who display "the influential power female sexuality has in relation to the mortal male...[they are] in control" (LeVan). Helen's physical beauty was her source of influence as "She plays out her role or destiny as a symbol of the beauty that men fight for..." (Bespaloff 121). Helen was Menelaus' beautiful wife, and when Paris kidnapped her because he wanted her to be his wife, Menelaus had to go to battle agai....

Number Of Pages: 4

Number Of Words: 992

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