The Telemachy Part I

“Tell me, Muse, of the man of many ways, who was driven far journeys, after he sacked Troy’s sacred citadel.” Muses- the goddesses who inspire the creation of literature and the arts The minstrel began by asking for the support of the gods/godesses.

Paris, prince of Troy abducted Helen. She was the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. The brother of Menelaus, Agamemnon, then led a Greek expedition against Troy.

 All warriors have returned home except Odysseus  Odysseus has been detained on the island of Ogygia by Calypso.

 Swarms with suitors  Telemachus, an infant when Odysseus left, is now a young man.

 Agitated by Odysseus’s bravery in battle, and ruler of the sea-world, Poseidon prohibits the return home.  Odysseus blinded Poseidon’s son, Polyphemus (the Cyclops) on the journey home from Troy.

 Disguised as Mentes, Odysseus’ old friend, Athena advises Telemachos.  A. Assemble the warriors  B. Dismiss the suitors  C. Advise Penelope to obtain consent from the father

1 st - Aigyptios Wise elder who commends Telemachus for speaking up in defense of his father

2 nd -Telemachus criticizes suitors for courting Penelope Suffers 2 evils: loss of a father mother wooed against her will

Blames Penelope, as she lead the suitors on Once the shroud for Laertes was complete, she would marry Caught in the 4 th year

Halitherses (Soothsayer) predicts Odysseus’ return and advises the suitors to leave to avoid a massacre.

 Mentor, another friend of Odysseus  Advises Telemachus to prepare for the journey (to Sparta and Pylos) with 20 men and sufficient supplies.  Telemachus borrows supplies intended for Odysseus’ homecoming.

 Review Joseph Cambell’s “Cycle of the Hero.”  How does Telemachus fir the archetype for the departure of the hero?  Post as an iNote