Book I · Episode 2 of 3
Athena Visits Telemachus
As Mentes, Athena urges defying suitors
Scenes
- Athena arrives as Mentes — Telemachus welcomes disguised Athena
- Mentes is chieftain of the Taphians
- Suitors feast on slaughtered beeves at gate
- Heralds and servants tend the tables
- He imagines his father’s return
- Telemachus clasps her hand, takes the spear
- Guest welcomed at feast — Telemachus seats guest, Phemius sings
- Guest’s spear placed beside Odysseus’ lances
- Seated so revelry won’t spoil their talk
- Servants wash hands, serve bread and wine
- A herald brings the harp to Phemius
- Telemachus leans close, speaks unheard
- Telemachus questions the stranger — Telemachus laments, asks his guest’s name
- Father’s bones may be bleaching far away
- Guest names herself Mentes, king of Taphians
- An old guest-friend of the house
- She predicts Odysseus won’t stay exiled
- Only his mother can vouch for it
- Athena counsels a voyage — Athena urges Telemachus toward Pylos, Sparta
- Suitors come from Dulichium, Samos, Zacynthus
- Mother neither refuses nor accepts courtship
- Athena says summon Achaean chiefs at dawn
- Send mother back to her father’s house
- Orestes’ revenge on Aegisthus is his model
- Parting gift deferred — Telemachus offers gift, Athena defers
- Athena counsels him like a father
- Telemachus invites guest to stay, bathe
- Gift meant as remembrance of him
- She will collect it on her return
- He’ll receive something precious in turn