Homer's The Odyssey is an epic poem putting a popular oral myth into writing for the first time. The Histories is an attempt by its author Herodotus to provide an unbiased account of historical conflicts in the Hellenistic world. These two works share two important motifs: the interference of the gods in the events of the mortal world, and the concept of a predetermined and unavoidable destiny. One might assume that these two themes are one and the same – a predetermined fate set forth by the gods. However, Homer's and Herodotus's gods are presented as acting in a political fashion – each one acting within certain boundaries to accomplish his or her own agenda. As such, the wills of the gods do not coincide to allow for the formulation of a cohesive "master plan." Instead of destiny created by the gods, Homer and Herodotus present fate as something beyond the gods – a driving force under which the actions of gods and mortals lead to the realization of destiny. In The Odyssey and The Histories, the idea of gods with limited power leads to a conception of fate wherein the gods act not as the creators of destiny, but as agents of its fulfillment.