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Telemachos’s Maturation Telemachos in the novel, The Odyssey, by Homer, is a dynamic character who changes drastically from the beginning of the story to the end. Telemachos has never met his father, Odysseus, which hinders his development. He is a boy who goes on journey to find his father; a journey created by Athena who has other plans in mind. This journey helps Telemachos mature in order to aid his father in regaining his kingdom, thus displaying manhood. Telemachos is a boy who does not initially think for himself, but he begins taking steps to growing up. He lives with his mother, who is being pressured by a group of rude and rowdy suitors to pick a new husband. These men eat all of Odysseus's food and loot his home. Telemachos, being young and irresponsible, does not stand up to the suitors. Telemachos is visited by Athena in disguise as Mentor, who tells Telemachos to sail out to find his father's whereabouts: “Get the best ship you can find, put twenty oarsmen aboard, go and find out about your father and why he is so long away”(17). Athena's intent here is solely to get Telemachos to grow up; she already knows that Odysseus will get home on his own. After his confrontation with Athena, Telemachos begins making his own decisions, but continues to exhibit immaturity. For example, Penelopeia tells the minstrel not to sing about Odysseus, for it brings her grief, and Telemachos answers her by telling her not to blame the minstrel, but to blame Zeus.
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