This line is an invocation by Homer or the speaker to the divine inspiration of the Muses – who were the nine daughters of Zeus responsible for memory. Therefore, if the repetition of the poem is not enough to prove that the poem was delivered oratorically, then the invocation of the Muses is a clear indication. Throughout the Odyssey we also see the strong involvement with the gods, mainly with Athena, Zeus, Poseidon and Hermes. Athena watches over Odysseus throughout his travels by pleading his cause before Zeus (which allowed Hermes to free him from Calypso), providing him with words of wisdom, and also transforming him into various forms to keep him safe. The strong involvement of the supernatural in the poem is yet another characteristic of epic poetry, all in an effort to ensure the preservation of Greek history and