Telemachus in the Odyssey

             In Homer's The Odyssey Telemachus plays an
             important role, growing throughout the story while being compared to Odysseus, his father, and Orestes, a young hero. Through The Odyssey Athena helps Telemachus become more like these two people. Telemachus' goal is to get rid of the Suitors and find news on his father; in doing this he will become more like both heroes, Odysseus and Orestes.
             When Telemachus leaves Ithaca in search for news of his father he meets two great men, Nestor and Menelaus. Upon meeting Nestor Telemachus was shy, so Athena gave him courage and well spoken so that Telemachus could speak to Nestor properly. Nestor noticed his speech and compared it to that of Odysseus, "I cannot help looking at you in awe: you talk exactly as he did, and I should have sworn no young man could resemble him in speech" (Book III, Line 122). Telemachus is then compared to Odysseus a second time first by Helen, then by Menelaus, saying that his appearance is overwhelming the same (Book IV, Line 140-145). These two great men, heroes of the war, adversaries of Odysseus, compare Telemachus to his father, the great Odysseus.
             Telemachus is also compared to the young hero, Orestes, who took revenge upon is father's death, Agamemnon. Orestes killed Aegisthus and his mother Clytaemnestra because of their plotting and killing of Agamemnon. Athena first tells Telemachus that he should be happy if he turns into a young hero like Orestes (Book I, Line 300-303). Telemachus is again reminded of Orestes' acts when he speaks with Nestor (Book III, Line 306-313). For Telemachus to turn into a hero like Orestes would be a great accomplishment.
             Throughout The Odyssey Athena always seems to be with Telemachus when he most needs it. Athena first pursues Telemachus to leave Ithaca and find news of his father. She then guides him with his journey, and makes him able to speak well. Athena tells T
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