far far away
Telemachus was trapped by the suitors of his mother, Penelope, who were vying for her hand in marriage while Odysseus was away. They plotted to ambush him upon his return from his journey to seek news of his father. Specifically, they intended to kill him to eliminate any threat to their ambitions. This conflict is a key element in Homer’s "The Odyssey," highlighting the challenges Telemachus faces as he steps into his father's role.
While Odysseus is away from Ithaca, several of the lords and chiefs are heading over to where Odysseus has built his home because they believe that their King is dead. The begin to try and get Penelope to marry them and anger Telemachus who believes that his father is still alive. Athena eventually comes and tells Telemachus that his father is in fact still alive and then tells him what he must do to get the suitors to leave.
Telemachus receives going away presents from Athene and Menelaus. These gifts signify support and protection for his journey to learn about his father, Odysseus, and his own destiny. They serve as symbols of guidance and encouragement to help Telemachus in his quest.
Telemachus is shocked and initially doesn't believe his father is truly Odysseus, as he has been away for so long and looks different. Eventually, he is convinced by certain signs and recognizes him as his father. They embrace and weep together.
Telemachus has been away from Ithaca for approximately a year. He embarked on his journey to seek news of his father, Odysseus, shortly after the events that unfolded in the Odyssey's early chapters. His travels take him to various locations in search of information about Odysseus, leaving his home unprotected and vulnerable to the suitors who have overrun it in his absence.
1 year
Telemachus sailed away on swift winds, and the suitors were unable to catch him either when he left Ithaca or when he returned.
Telemachus hangs some of the maids in "The Odyssey" as a punishment for their disloyalty. While Odysseus was away, these maids consorted with the suitors who were trying to court Penelope, showing a lack of loyalty to his household. Their execution serves to restore order and assert Telemachus's authority in reclaiming his family's honor after Odysseus's return.
Telemachus has been away from home for about a year. In Homer's "Odyssey," he embarks on a journey to find news of his father, Odysseus, who has been missing for many years. His departure occurs shortly after the start of the epic, as he seeks to gain wisdom and assert his place in the world.
The prominent suitor who serves as the arch-enemy of Telemachus in Homer's "The Odyssey" is Antinous. He is the leader of the suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage while Odysseus is away, and he is particularly arrogant and aggressive towards Telemachus. Antinous's disdain for Telemachus is evident as he openly mocks and threatens him, representing the opposition to Odysseus's family and legacy. Ultimately, his actions contribute to the tension and conflict that drive the narrative of the epic.
Telemachus doubts Odysseus's plan because he lacks faith in the gods' ability to intervene directly in mortal affairs. He is also skeptical of his father's sudden appearance and the plan against the suitors, as he has been away for so long. Telemachus may be uncertain about Odysseus's identity and intentions, leading to his skepticism about involving divine help.
Odysseus told Penelope to take the women and go to the upper chamber and do not talk to any man.