Athena helps Telemachus in many different ways, but mostly by helping him turn into a man and grow up because telemachus never had a man to teach him. when Athena disguised herself as a man named Mentes, son of Anchialus and captain of the seafaring Taphians, to inform Telemachus to not give up on his dad and believe that he is still out there in the world, she says “I have come because they say your father has returned, but now i see the gods have knocked him of course. He's not dead,though, not godlike Odysseus, no way in the world. No, he's alive alright.” -Athena, (Mentes) (209) this shows a thoughtful side to Athena because she wants to help Telemachus. “Tomorrow you call an assembly and make a speech to these heroes, with the gods as witness. The suitors you order to scatter to their own.” -Athena, (Mentes) (290) Athena cares for Telemachus by helping him get control of his palace and kingdom again. She also wants to help Telemachus by telling him how to find his father, “And my advise to you, if you will take it, is to launch your best ship,with twenty oarsmen,and go make inquiries about your long-absent father.” -Athena, (Mentes) (292) Athena wants the best for Telemachus, so she gives Telemachus this advice. That quote shows how she is looking out for him and wants the best for Telemachus and also his …show more content…
Athena and Telemachus’ relationship is important because if Athena was not there to help Telemachus, make tough decisions and help decide his fate, then The Odyssey would have had a very different