The heroic journey abroad of Telemachos is the exact opposite of the
journey back home of his father Odysseus. Telemachos starts as a very
timid, undeveloped and resourceless young man and returns as an older,
wiser, and stronger man, it's his journey into adulthood. Where as Odysseus
one of the greatest greek heroes, known for his wittiness and intelligence
comes across various obstacles in his journey which he brings upon himself
because he never seems to learn from his mistakes.
Telemachos takes his first steps into adulthood in book II with the
inspiration of Athena, Telemachos gathers the courage to call for an
assembly to speak up against the suitors activities and for the first time
accuses them of dishonoring the home of his father Odysseus. It is the
first time he presents assertiveness, yet the suitors do not show him
respect. Even so he embarks on his journey to Pylos and Sparta in hopes to
learn the whereabouts of his father. He first sails off to the Island of
Pylos where he is greeted with a feast by Nestor. "Taking courage, for
Athene herself had put that courage in his heart, so that he might ask
after his absent father" (3.76-77), after they are done eating and
drinking Telemachos uses the courage he has gained from Athene to ask
Nestor about his father. Nestor goes on to tell him the stories of Troy and
the death of Agamemnon, it is the tale of Agamemnon death that teaches
Telemachos about human loyalty and loyalty to ones family. In his journey
to Pylos Telemachos also learned about the importance of the allegiance to
gods, when he first arrived to Pylos there was a celebration honoring
Poseidon and before he leaves Pylos Nestor also holds a sacrificial feast
in honor of Athene for honoring him with a visit. To Greeks it was of great
importance to show devotion to gods because to them gods were a great part
of their daily lives. Being that Telemachos does no...