Deception is a practice that is meant to mislead by false appearance or statement. In "The Odyssey," by Homer, many of the characters such as Odysseus and Athena craftily use the art of deception throughout the poem. The role of disguise in The Odyssey is used to assist characters in accomplishing their plans. Each disguise is unique and created for a specific purpose whether those plans are to assist someone, get information, determine someone’s loyalty or to take revenge. For instance, in book two Athena disguises herself as Mentor who is an old friend of Odysseus’s in order to encourage Telemachus before he departs on his trip to Pylos and Sparta. “Telemachos, you are to be no thoughtless man, no coward, if truly the strong force of your father is instilled in you; such a man he was for accomplishing word and action. Your journey then will be no vain thing nor go unaccomplished” (Ody.2.270-273). Athena gives Telemachus a confidence boost and predicts that his journey will be fruitful. She then collects a ship and crewmen for Telemachus's journey and continues to guide him until she reveals herself by changing into an eagle in front of the entire court of Pylos. When Athena reveals herself, Nestor is awed that she is helping Telemachus and promises to make a sacrifice to her. Athena’s disguise as Mentor works because he is a trustworthy person and was Odysseus’s friend in the past so it doesn't arise suspicion from anyone. Her revelation scene demonstrates that when divinities reveal themselves the other characters are shocked or caught off guard due to their disguises. Often times characters become overwhelmed with joy and gain confidence that their journeys or tasks will be successful because the divinities are assisting them. This emphasizes that people in this time period believe in higher beings and they respect them. The greeks believe that by performing sacrifices to these higher beings will put them in good ter