Homer`s Odyssey books X and XI hold various similarities and dissimilarities with Ovid`s Metamorphoses books I and II when it comes to the use of religion and/or sacrifice in culture.
Both books recognize the need for a god and the blessings of a god to accomplish a mission. Worshipping the gods is an integral part of the ancient religious culture as depicted in both stories. In Homer`s Odyssey books X and XI, Homer prays for safe voyage. The prayer is heard by Aeolus, king of winds. For a month, Odysseus is able to sail smoothly towards his journey.
Ovid`s Metamorphoses books I and II also recognize for the need for a god and the need to invoke the god's help. Ovid's Metamorphoses book I clearly delineate this by recounting how god Prometheus helped the great Creator in putting order in a chaotic world.
In both stories the gods are not often good and as a matter of fact, they do not care about the plight of the people. Circe in Homer's Odyssey, for instance, turns men into pigs. In Ovid's Metamorphoses, Juno turns Lo and Callisto into animals after finding out that Jove lusts after them.
In consonance with the Greek culture during the time, men are considered more important than women in the both stories. We can also glean from the stories that the men are wary of women and the power they hold over them. Jove, for instance, despite his being a god could not quell Juno's jealousy and her revenge on Jove's women. In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus manages to embark on a long discourse before going to bed with Circe. The men's need to establish control over women is apparent which is in keeping with the ancient Greek tradition of male dominance in society. Religion also helps to promote this idea by depicting male gods as the more powerful ones holding more vital roles.
The main contrast in Homer`s Odyssey books X and XI and Ovid`s Metamorphoses books I and II lies in their depiction of male gods. In Homer`s Odyssey, we see gods as more helpful than goddesses. Take Aeolus for instance, who helps Odysseus enjoy smooth travel. In Ovid`s Metamorphoses, the gods are abusive gods who rape women with Jove, being the guiltiest of all.
The cultural function of religions and/or spirituality preaches the doctrine of providence which the gods endow to humans who please them. In the same vein, the gods also pose as hindrances even potential dangers to humans. This conflicting role of the gods and goddesses in ancient times are vividly depicted in Homer`s Odyssey books X and XI and Ovid`s Metamorphoses books I and II.
