Telemachus, Son of the Great Odysseus

In the Odyssey, Telemachus, son of the great hero Odysseus, grows up in the world of greed and disrespect where suitors from around the world come to take over his palace and marry his mother. Telemachus is one of the most significant characters throughout the whole story. His father, Odysseus, leaves his kingdom and his only son in Ithaca for 20 years, to fight in the major battle known as the Trojan War. Odysseus has not made a return home, and has been perceived as dead.

When the Odyssey begins Telemachus is still maturing. Him and his mother, Penelope have taken over Ithaca, waiting for Odysseus' return, but when suitors show up claiming Odysseus' death their intentions are clear. They plan to Marry Queen Penelope, and Rule Ithaca. Telemachus is helped by Athena, A Grecian God, whom is often disguised as Telemachus' mentor, named Mentor. At one point in the Odyssey, Telemachus makes a comment about the suitors leeching off the wealth of the Ithacan palace and whining about having no hope left because the great Odysseus had died an unfortunate death. He has no hope and never even considers the idea of himself taking control and making moves to fix the problems that have been introduced. Also Telemachus continues to whine to Athena about his misfortune and the dreadful position the Gods have positioned him in. This shows that Telemachus starts off as an immature boy, instead of what Ithaca needs, a ruler like Odysseus.