Telemakhos

Telémakhos (Telemachus)

Telemachus was the son of Odysseus king of Ithaca and Penelope. He does not remember his father Odysseus because Odysseus left for the Trojan War when Telemachus was still an infant. Odysseus fought in the Trojan War for ten years and after the fall of Troy he spent the next ten years trying to get home. During this time Telemachus had to contend with the suitors seeking the hand of his mother. In book I we find Telemachus setting in the court yard among the suitors when he encounters Athena. Athena encourages Telemachus to call a meeting with the islanders and tells him to “speak your will, and call the gods to witness: the suitors must go scattering to their homes.” (Book I 313-14) This order was met with cantonment from the suitors who refused to leave his father’s home. Telemachus sets out on his on adventure as he seeks the counsel of “Nestor and Menelaus, whether he could learn about his father, or by chance pick up a truthful rumor from heaven. She also made clear for him his choices, saying that if Odysseus were alive and on his way back [sic]; he could reconcile himself with the Suitors' wastage still for some time. But, the goddess said, if Odysseus were dead he should build him a funeral mound, and give his mother to a new husband.” (1) Menelaus encourages him with news that Odysseus may be alive and held captive by a goddess-nymph named Calypso. Athena keeps the prince alive by helping him avoid an ambush set up by the suitors on his return trip to Ithaca. During this voyage Telemachus becomes a man. Upon his return home, Athena informs Telemachus of the ambush that was planned by the suitors, this advice helps Telemacus avoid being killed. But to Telemacus surprise his father had returned to claim his home and kingdom from the suitors. Telemacus and Odysseus destroy all the suitors and rid his home of the ones that had portrayed him in his absence. The valiant way Telemacus fought, earned the respect of his father.