How did Odysseus not die when Zeus threw the lightning bolt?

Odysseus did not die when Zeus threw the lightning bolt because he was protected by the goddess Athena, who intervened on his behalf. In Homer's "Odyssey," Zeus aimed to punish Odysseus for his men's disobedience, but Athena pleaded for his life, allowing him to survive the strike. Instead of dying, Odysseus was cast away to drift alone at sea, setting the stage for his continued trials and journey home.