The Journey of Telemachus's Ma

A detailed Summary of The Journey of Telemachus's Ma

Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope. After twenty years of his father's absence, Telemachus is advised to seek out information as to his fathers whereabouts, which he does in the courts of his fathers' friends: Menelaus and Nestor. Although Telemachus is just a boy when we are introduced to his character, he makes the transition from a boy into a man, and that man is one day going to be a reflection of his father, Odysseus.

Telemachus leaves on a journey to Pylos, the stately citadel of Neleus, to find information on his fathers' whereabouts. At the house of Nestor, the tamer of horses, Telemachus shares wine and sacrifices to the Gods that he may accomplish his task and get home safely afterwards. After the sacrificing is completed Nestor asks where he is from and why he is here. Telemachus replies "We are from Ithaca, which lies at Neion's foot, and have come on private not public, business. I am searching through the length and breadth of the land for any news that I can pick up of my royal father, the gallant Odysseus." When King Nestor hears that Telemachus is Odysseus's son, he is more than willing to help him, however the only information that he can give

That morning, after King Nestor and Telemachus had their fill of wine and food, King Nestor announced his wishes. "Fetch Telemachus a pair of horses and harness them to a chariot so that he can be getting on his way." And so Telemachus and Peisistratus came to the rolling lands of Lacedaemon, deep in the hills, and drove up to the palace of Menelaus. When they arrived at Menelaus's palace, there was a great feast in progress celebrating his children's impeding weddings. Telemachus and Peisistratus were received warmly and given seats of honor in the banquet hall. While eating, Menelaus refers to his lost friend many times and through this mentioning of his father Telemachus begins to weep. "Menelaus observed him and was left in deep embarrassment, not knowing whether he should wait for the young man himself to mention his father or should he cross-examine him forthwith." While Menelaus is contemplating these feelings, Helen comes down and recognizes Telemachus as Odysseus's son. The two guests then explain who they are and their mission, however they decide not to discuss matters until morning. In the morning Menelaus tells Telemachus what he already knows about his father, that he is on the nymph Calypso's island.

At the end of The Odyssey Telemachus has reached a point in his life that will allow him to carry on the line of his father without disgracing him. Throughout the story Telemachus ages and matures and finally becomes a man that his father is proud of. The flourishing of Telemachus provides the knowledge that he is Odysseus's rightful son.

The goddess Athene goes to Telemachus at Menelaus's palace and urges him to hasten his departure from Lacedaemon. "Telemachus, she said, it is wrong of you to linger abroad and leave your property unguarded with such a rabble in the place." When morning came Telemachus and Peisistratus thank Menelaus for his hospitality but tell him that they need to be on their way. Menelaus lets them leave but first they are to receive many gifts. When the

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Approximate Word count = 1366
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels