Kleos is a trait that can be passed on through generations. Laertes passed his Kleos down to his son, Odysseus, who in which proved his own Kleos by being a better warrior. Therefore, Odysseus’ son, Telemachus’ must in turn demonstrate that he is in fact Odysseus’ son, by proving the legacy will go on. Within The Odyssey, Books 1-4 represent the start of Telemachus’ legacy. It begins by the quest for his father, the Kleos, which in a sense is also the quest for his father’s Nostos. He is influenced by mentors throughout his journey to find his father: Athena, Nestor, and Menelaus. Athena inspires Telemachus to stand up to the suitors and to not let them take advantage of his home, as well as to find out more information on his father. She rather encourages him to do what is necessary for himself, to receive the Kleos, and what is necessary for his father, his return …show more content…
His first step of Kleos was being able to stand up to the council, although not completely successful, he makes a start. Although hospitality is highly regarded in this Greek culture, when Telemachus went to speak to Nestor and Menelaus, who are clearly great warriors and have higher stature than Telemachus, he was treated as equals with them, as he presented himself like a grown up, especially for being a 15 year old boy. This is where he begins to earn his Kleos as he reminds Nestor and Menelaus of his father, Odysseus. They recall the Kleos of Odysseus, which is where Telemachus is beginning to learn the meaning of the legacy of his father and the importance of earning Kleos for himself. Menelaus exclaimed, “That man [Odysseus] who performed a hundred feats of arm for me…why, I’d have settled a city in Argos for him…your father’s son you are – your words have