Telemakhos is forced to mature at an astounding rate, traveling far from home and risking his life to learn of his father. His trip teaches him more than he could ever have learned staying at home with the suitors. From Nestor and Menelas he learn both courage and bravery, how to be both a man and a host. His perception of how the world unfolds from abstract ideas to pure ideals under their guidance. He learns that he must fight against what the suitors represent, to take his place and not let them take it. Nestor and Manelas guide telemakhos, with Athena's help, toward manhood.

When Odysseus finally does reach home Telemakhos is the first person he reveals himself to. Their reunion is a very happy one, joy leading to tears. Odysseus immediately treats him like an inferior however, telling Telemakhos his plans and carry them out. This is a role that, perhaps, Telemakhos still deserves, though not by much. After the plans are laid telemakhos is left dirty work, gathering the suitors weapons, while his father gets an ide

The wandering shows us how it is necessary to have great deal of self-control mixed with intellectual curiosity when traveling. When Odysseus passed through the area of the sirens, he plugged all of his crew's ears so they would not be tempted with their beautiful song to seduce the crew to certain death. The wandering can be seen as stages in development of humanity, in the sense that as we learn about ourselves and as we learn about others; we live as we learn.

From Odysseus, readers learn the virtue of patience and faith. Neither Odysseus knowledge of his return to Ithaca nor his faith in the gods ever wavered severely Odysseus's persistence in reaching Ithaca and his and his eventual payoff for hard work and patience. This lesson can be applied to and situation in which one wishes to achieve a goal.

Through out his journey Odysseus goes through some difficulties, he takes away the trust he sets in others and the gods when he is doubtful of himself. Odysseus looses belief in himself is when he faced with the task of eliminating his house of the suitors.

Throughout his wandering for home, Odysseus becomes a humbler and more respectful man. The once boastful man learns that his bragging can bring people against him, and is quieter than before he left for Troy. He also learns that the immortal gods of Olympus can be merciful and bring great prosperity, but they also punish those that disobey their wishes. Every time Odysseus has not been respectful he has been severely punished and his trip home delayed. Out of this tragedy he has become a greater man to regain his kingdom and live a long life.

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Approximate Word count = 1314
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)