Apollo was the chief deity (Isht devata) of the Trojans, whereas Athena was the deity worshipped by Odysseus. Hence, they were duty-bound to help their worshippers just as we find with the Hindu deities.
However, metaphysically Apollo represents the power of Reason, whereas Athene is the power of Intuition, which is higher than reason. As the Age turned over, the deity who would preside also changes. That is why Zeus tilts the balance in favor of the tribes of Greece that were to now come up and shape humanity and replace Apollo’s world.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
