The Odyssey Summary:Book 3

The book begins with Telémakhos arriving at Pylos the city of Nestor. Athena, disguised as Mentor, advises Telémakhos to question Nestor concerning the fate of his father Odysseus. Nestor relates that Zeus had separated all of the ships on their homeward journey, and that he had arrived in his homeland first and therefore did not know what had happened to the rest of the ships. He does, however, tell Telémakhos what reports he had heard regarding the other ships.

Nestor then recounts the story of the House of Atreus and how it has fallen. Nestor then advises Telémakhos to do all that he can to rid himself and his mother of the suitors who are destroying his house. Mentor concurs with Nestor and tells Telemachus the same. He then leaves in the form of an eagle, which rightly leads Nestor to believe that indeed Mentor was actually a god. This supernatural sign encourages Telémakhos and Nestor both. As a result, Nestor decides to hold a great sacrifice in honor of Athena and asks Telémakhos to stay, which he does. After the sacrifice is complete, Telémakhos is outfitted with a fine set of chariot and horses and is off to learn more from King Menelaus with Nestor’s son Peisístratos.

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The Odyssey Summary > Book 3