Robert Fagles describes the first four books of the Odyssey as the “Telemacheia”, “the story of a young man from a poor and backward island who asserts himself at home and visits the sophisticated courts of two rich and powerful kingdoms, to return home a grown man.” (introduction, pg 9). Crucial to this maturation is Athena, who assumes the role of father figure for Telemachus.
Telemachus had no father in his life, since Odysseus left for Troy when Telemachus was an infant. Telemachus was an infant when his father left for Troy, as evidenced by the tale of Odysseus’ call to Troy. Desperate to stay with his family, Odysseus attempts to fake insanity by plowing a beach, but is discovered when his infant son is placed in front of the plow and …show more content…
Which each of Athena’s disguises, it is worth asking if she needed a disguise or could have appeared more directly. The reader may also ask if that disguise needed to be that of a man, or if a woman would have carried the message as effectively.
Athena first appears to Telemachus as Mentes, a fellow prince that reassures him his father is alive. Mentes also functions to activate Telemachus’ hospitable urges, since the suitors have no inclination to care for the visitor. By appearing as Mentes, Athena lights a fire in Telemachus’ heart and encourages him to seek his father: indeed, Fagles’ title for Book I is “Athena Inspires the Prince.” She says directly “you must not cling to you boyhood any longer - / it’s time you were a man” She gives clear advice to the boy, instructing him to call an assembly, send away the suitors, and sail to other islands.
In Book II, Athena comes to Telemachus disguised as Mentor, his father’s old friend, to encourage him to make the journey. Athena tells Telemachus that she will find the ships and crew, so all Telemachus has to do is lead the men and pack the rations for the trip. In this scene Athena seems to be easing Telemachus into maturity, not asking too much of the boy. Later in Book II, Athena continues to disguise herself as Mentor and rides in the helm of the ship with Telemachus. Homer says “Telemachus climbed aboard. / Athena led the way, assuming the pilot’s seat / reserved astern, and he sat close beside
Telemachus had no father in his life, since Odysseus left for Troy when Telemachus was an infant. Telemachus was an infant when his father left for Troy, as evidenced by the tale of Odysseus’ call to Troy. Desperate to stay with his family, Odysseus attempts to fake insanity by plowing a beach, but is discovered when his infant son is placed in front of the plow and …show more content…
Which each of Athena’s disguises, it is worth asking if she needed a disguise or could have appeared more directly. The reader may also ask if that disguise needed to be that of a man, or if a woman would have carried the message as effectively.
Athena first appears to Telemachus as Mentes, a fellow prince that reassures him his father is alive. Mentes also functions to activate Telemachus’ hospitable urges, since the suitors have no inclination to care for the visitor. By appearing as Mentes, Athena lights a fire in Telemachus’ heart and encourages him to seek his father: indeed, Fagles’ title for Book I is “Athena Inspires the Prince.” She says directly “you must not cling to you boyhood any longer - / it’s time you were a man” She gives clear advice to the boy, instructing him to call an assembly, send away the suitors, and sail to other islands.
In Book II, Athena comes to Telemachus disguised as Mentor, his father’s old friend, to encourage him to make the journey. Athena tells Telemachus that she will find the ships and crew, so all Telemachus has to do is lead the men and pack the rations for the trip. In this scene Athena seems to be easing Telemachus into maturity, not asking too much of the boy. Later in Book II, Athena continues to disguise herself as Mentor and rides in the helm of the ship with Telemachus. Homer says “Telemachus climbed aboard. / Athena led the way, assuming the pilot’s seat / reserved astern, and he sat close beside