Agamemnon was the leader the Greek Army during the Trojan war. When he returned home, he was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra along with her lover. Agamemnon's son, Orestes' cannot stop the killing, but vows revenge, even though it means that he will have to kill his own mother. He eventually is able to avenge his father's killing by killing the murderers. Even though he has killed his mother, this action is considered just, so Orestes' doesn't feel any guilt over the situation. There are many similarities between that father/son duo and the Telemachus/Odysseus duo. Odysseus also fought in Greek Army against the Trojans. He has yet to return and it is questionable if he is even still alive. The suitors want to cash in on the opportunity that Odysseus' absence presents. They take over the palace and commit acts that dishonor Odysseus and his wife. Telemachus is asked to avenge the dishonoring of his father by killing the suitors. Athena assists him by telling him this story to encourage him.
