Book III of twenty-four · A Son Sets Sail

Interview of Telemachus with Nestor

Telemachus meets Nestor, learns of murder

Guided by Athena as Mentor, Telemachus lands at Pylos and is welcomed by Nestor, who recounts the Achaeans’ quarrelsome departure from Troy and the heroes’ fates, above all Agamemnon’s murder and Orestes’s revenge, and urges Telemachus toward Menelaus. Athena reveals her divinity; Nestor sacrifices to her, hosts Telemachus overnight, then sends him by chariot with his son Peisistratus.

Argument, 1871 Arrival of Telemachus, with Athena in the shape of Mentor, at Pylos —His interview with Nestor —Nestor’s narrative of his return from Troy —History of the death of Agamemnon and the revenge of Orestes —Departure of Athena to heaven —Telemachus sent by Nestor with his son Peisistratus to Menelaus at Sparta.

Episodes of Book III

1. Arrival at Pylos — Telemachus, Mentor land at Pylos sacrifice
   • Landing at Pylos
   • Athena Urges Boldness
   • Prayer to Poseidon
2. Nestor’s War Story — Nestor tells of quarrel, heroes’ homecomings
   • Nestor Questions the Guests
   • The Fleet’s Quarrel
   • Fates of the Heroes
3. Agamemnon’s Murder — Nestor recounts Agamemnon’s murder
   • A Warning on Fate
   • The Full Tale of Murder
4. Night at Nestor’s Hall — Evening rites yield to Athena’s departure
   • Libations at Nightfall
   • Athena Vanishes
   • Household Retires
5. Sacrifice and Departure — Nestor sacrifices to Athena, sends Telemachus
   • Ordering the Sacrifice
   • Feast and Bath
   • Chariot to Sparta