Telemachy

What is the Telemachy? A term traditionally applied to the first four books of The Odyssey. As the Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus, the first four books tell the story of Telemachus as he journeys from home for the first time in search of news about his missing father.

As Introduction to The Odyssey The Odyssey is a nostos that recalls the story of Odysseus' journey home The Telemachy's subject is the effect of Odysseus' absence on his family, Telemachus in particular. A glimpse of the goings-on at the palace in Ithaca. (Which is what?) How does Telemachus feel? What are his plans? Underscores the urgency of Odysseus’ journey home

Rites of Passage Journey from boyhood to manhood which must occur before he is equipped to help Odysseus kill the suitors in Book 22. – Book 1 – When Penelope tries to dictate what songs a bard should sing for the suitors, Telemachus admonishes her – Book 2? – Book 3? – Book 4? Typically, in the hero's journey he will receive occasional aid from a mentor figure. In the Odyssey, Athena serves as mentor to both Odysseus and Telemachus. In Book 1 she visits Telemachus disguised as the mortal Mentes to spur the young man to action. She alternately advises Telemachus in the guise of a man actually named Mentor -- hence the word "mentor" in English.

Foreshadowing What stories are told about Odysseus that might foreshadow future events in the epic?

Your Task Identify stages in Telemachus’ development from books 1, 2, 3 and 4 Find and explain the potential foreshadowing provided in the stories told about Odysseus (Zeus’ tale, as well as those told by Nestor and Menelaus)