In the Odyssey, Orestes’ avenging is seen like a proper form of justice. He’s admired. He’s set up time and time again as a role model for Telemachos. He defends his family’s (father’s) honour, kills the killer, re-balances the order of his world. read more
Poseidon remains angry at Odysseus for blinding his son Polyphemus even after he punishes Odysseus repeatedly, but eventually decides to spare Odysseus's life on a whim. The emotions of the gods sometimes conflict, and the mysterious tugs and pulls of divine influence determine the fluctuations of justice on earth. read more
The Phaeacians follow Zeus 's code of hospitality in welcoming Odysseus and speeding him home; but Poseidon (still sore at Odysseus) interprets their actions as a mark of disrespect, so Zeus joins him in punishing the Phaeacians for an action that should have pleased him. read more
Poseidon is unjustified in hounding Odysseus across the seas because his son Polyphemos deserved the blinding that the hero gave him. The Odyssey shows a tentative shift away from the "you killed my son, so I'm going to kill you" kind of justice toward a "maybe it's better not to be killing each other all the time" sort of justice. read more