Homer uses the Gods and Goddesses impact on Odysseus to show how redemption can be earned which is illustrated through Foster's quest theory. Circe, Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, and Helios are gods that symbolize mythological ideas, whereas in the Odyssey they symbolize lessons Odysseus needs to learn. Odysseus is a man that the gods critique often. Odysseus is on a journey to get home to his family from the Trojan War. Odysseus does not always make the best decisions and it gets himself in big trouble