In Homer’s <em>Odyssey</em>, Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope. In Book 1, when Odysseus is meant to come home, the goddess Athena disguises herself as Mentes, king of the Taphians, and goes to Ithaca to pay Telemachus a visit. The suitors have been taking advantage of Odysseus’ absence for years, and Telemachus dreams of getting rid of them.
Athena has taken it upon herself to ensure the safe return of Odysseus, and when she sees the situation Telemachus is in, she advises him to get rid of his mother’s suitors and travel to Pylos and Sparta to find information about his father.
Telemachus’ attitude towards Mentes is respectful. He offers him food and drink, and listens attentively to his advice. Upon hearing the advice of the stranger, Telemachus feels stronger, and the memory of his father becomes more lively. He feels so convinced by it he then advises Penelope to do the same: to keep the memory of her husband alive and gain strength through it, and to remember that it is the will of the Gods which has put Odysseus in that situation.
He learns news of his father from Mentes, but he also regains a sense of right and wrong and a sense of purpose. He recuperates the strength and courage to face the suitors, protect his mother and look for his father.
Athena is pleased with Telemachus because of this recovery but also because of his treatment of her and his respect and trust in the Gods.
