What Role Does Telemachus Play In The Odyssey

These lines play a major role in books one through four because this commentary was the starting point of Telemachus’ journey. Pallas Athena was deeply moved by Telemachus’ heartfelt speech about his father. He explains to Athena, disguised as Mentês, that he has heard all of the grand stories told about his father. He knows what a brave fighter, faithful husband, and respectful man Odysseus was yet he has never been able to truly know his father as a man. Afterall, Odysseus left when Telemachus was merely an infant and has been gone for almost nineteen years. He has to have a father, that fact is apparent, but Telemachus has never had a father figure in his life. He did not have an older man to look to for guidance in his years of need, he never has a man to teach him how to stand up for himself. …show more content…
After Athena listened to his story about the lack of a father in his life, she decided to help him. Athena later gives Telemachus reassurance that his father is alive and was not mysteriously killed at sea. She gives Telemachus the courage to stand up to the suitors that have been freeloaders on his land for far too long. Because of Athena’s advice, Telemachus is able to call an assembly and address the problem of the suitors. Athena also gives him the courage to go looking for Odysseus. Without Telemachus first explaining to Athena how he felt about not having a father figure in his life, his hero journey would never had started for Athana would have never given him the courage to stand up to the suitors or leave to go and search for his