Book 1: Athena Inspires the Prince — The Odyssey
Date: 10/14/2020
Time: 3:30 PM — 4:30 PM
To introduce the storyline, the theme, and the characters in book 1 of The Odyssey, Homer uses the beginning of the epic. He defines two plots almost instantly and will gradually converge. One is the Odysseus’ novel, where Calypso is kept a prisoner of Ogygia. The other focuses on Ithaca, where Odysseus’ wife Penelope fights to remove numerous supporters and hopes that her husband can speak trustworthily. Homer presents a variety of themes in the epic as well. Hospitality, prestige, vengeance, and power comprise these. Humans are accountable for their decisions, but they are still going to be intervened by the gods. In the Odysseus universe, his good name is his most valuable resource. Your credibility depends on how people view you and judge your character, merit, and conduct according to the societal norms and practices that exist. Zeus himself asserts the character of Odysseus. Odyssey continues to be highly respected by all of the gods except vengeful Poseidon. Athena, whose curse forced Odysseus to wander, wishes to forgive him now and to get him home. As Athena meet Ithaca, she gets a hospitable welcome from Telemachus and then gets the normal pile of questions that aliens face in the entire epic. In The Odyssey, the social idea of hospitality is central to all main plots. In reality, in The Iliad, this idea was also the explanation for the Trojan War. Paris violates King Menelaus’s hospitality when he runs off with Menelaus’ wife, Helen, and takes her with him back to Troy. First, in The Odyssey, I see generosity abused by the suitors of Penelope. They have converted the house of Odysseus into their own private party hall and spend the rest of their time feasting and dining at the detriment of the host. The condition in the household of Odysseus is the underlying theme of retribution. If Odysseus was around or if they awaited his return, the suitors would not risk such aggressive conduct. He’s gone, they think. Just a couple of them, Antinous and Eurymachus chief among them, have some real hope of marrying Penelope and a better chance of becoming the next king through that marriage. The remainder is clearly taking advantage of the scenario. If Telemachus is reluctant first to take initiative, Athena is not. In the youthful prince, she incites intervention and wishes the would-be grooms a “blood wedding.” The time has come for Telemachus to get up. As he opposes Telemachus’ right to rule, Antinous discusses the question of power. He humorously accepts the right of the prince to rule but wishes that Telemachus will never be proclaimed king of Ithaca by Zeus. In fact, as Fagles and Knox point out, the crown would definitely not be inherited by Telemachus; he would have to win it. It seems unlikely that if the battle were real, Telemachus would be able to defeat Antinous either directly or through his few allies. If it were the will of Zeus, he would accept the throne, but his pride is validated at this level as he says he will simply hope to rule his own household. Telemachus, however, senses that Mentes really is Athena and is emboldened by her encouragement. The next morning, he called for a full congress.
What does Athena do to “mentor” Telemachus, son of Odysseus? What does Telemachus do to demonstrate his readiness to take over his father’s kingdom? How similar is Telemachus’ maturation to the maturation you yourself are expected to go through today?
Following Telemachus’ strong welcome to Athena, she informs Telemachus that Odysseus remained alive and is trapped on a distant island. She foresees Odysseus’s going to come back home soon. The embarrassment brought by the admirers is identified by Telemachus. In pursuit of information on Odysseus, Athena tells him to collect a group and sail to Pylos and Sparta. Telemachus told her that he had to avenge his father by killing the followers who dishonored the estate, while Prince Orestes avenged Agamemnon’s death by killing his father’s assassin. The stranger is thanked by Telemachus for the kind Conseils; Odysseus’ memories grow stronger and stronger, and he feels that the stranger must be a god. Penelope moves from her chambers and asks the bard to impress the admirers to stop singing about the journey home of the Achaeans because the song brings too much sadness to her. Telemachus reminds her that Zeus, not the bard, was responsible for the pain of Odysseus. He advises her to be courageous, to hear the music of a bard, and to remember her husband. Surprised by his common sense and positive will, Penelope obeys him. Telemachus confronts the admirers after Athena takes flight. He advises them to immediately leave his house or Zeus, the god of hospitality, will punish you for your misconduct. In the current lack of Odysseus, he asserts himself to remain the lord of the land. The followers are shocked by the confidence and daringness of the prince. Antinous replies that only the gods can inspire Telemachus to communicate with such bravery. Eurymachus adds that the gods on their own determine who controls Ithaca, and asks about the odd visitor. Telemachus addressed Mentes as a friend of Laertes, but in his heart, he knows that Athena was the goddess.
The practices of compassion are diligently practiced by Telemachus, which is something I practice. Before ever asking their names, he is ready to give something to a stranger. I am also very generous and, without asking anything in return, I give things to people all the time.