Notes

" ... Grey-eyed Athena was the first to speak, saying: 'Son of Laertes and the gods of old, Odysseus, master of land ways and sea ways, put your mind on a way to reach and strike a crowd of brazen upstarts. Three long years they [the suitors] have played master in your house: ...'" (pg 242 lines 467-473)

"'[Athena] Now, for a while, I shall transform you, ... the clear skin of your arms and legs shriveled, your chestnut hair all gone, your body dressed in a sacking that a man would gag to see, and the two eyes, that were so brilliant, ... But join the swineherd first-the overseer of all your swine, a good soul now as ever, devoted to Penelope and your son. '" (pg 243, lines 499-509)

The first piece of evidence shows that Athena is informing Odysseus about the current situation in his household. Athena is the seasoned traveler, advising and informing Odysseus. The second piece states that Athena has transformed Odysseus from a young man to an old beggar with a charm. This charm acts as a piece of equipment from the mentor. This second piece also fulfills the needs of "Crossing the Threshold", because Odysseus is seemingly entering his country as a beggar, from his looks and his clothes, therefore being treated differently.