[59] σκηπανίωι, the staff is the usual symbol of magical powers, as with Hermes (24.343), Kirke (Od. 10.238), Athene (Od. 13.429, Od. 16.172), to say nothing of Moses, or even the modern conjuror. It has been observed, however, that the use of a material tool by the gods to effect their purposes is elsewhere characteristic of the later poems (“Ω” and Od.); in 5.122, for instance, Athene produces the same effect as Poseidon here without material contact, but merely by the divine will.