Telemachus Is The True Hero In Homer's Odyssey

Who is the true hero in The Odyssey?

In the epic, The Odyssey by Homer, Telemachus is the hero. A hero is someone who is responsible and grows and matures throughout time. Who knows who they are as a person and wants to do the best they can do every day. It is not about being strong and having super powers, it is about changing one self to become better. In the beginning, Telemachus is weak discourage and afraid to speak up to his mother and the suitors. He was a person who can be easily taken advantage of and one who was a disappointment especially since his father was Odysseus. But as he was on his journey to find his father, he started to experience, learn, and find him self in ways he never thought before. It was always in him but he never

looked hard enough to see how much of an achiever he was.

Once he heard Athena wise words it gave him confidence and bravery.

He felt the urge to find his father. He was dedicated and committed to his journey to Sandy Pylos. If he did not go he would not have matured and think he was incapable of speaking up to the suitors while they would manipulate Penelope for marriage. Telemachus was determined and wanted to be as strong as his father. He knew that he could sail and he did. “I am sailing off to Sandy Pylos” (1 pagr340 line 20)

Telemachus had the nerve and the passion to sail the unpredictable sea to find his father which challenged himself to grow. He was ready to make a difference in his life and bring back peace to Ithaca. To prove to the suitors what he can do and show them that he might not be as what people always thought he

was.
Telemachus communicated well with people and spoke calmly during arguments. He was known as being a cool headed person who would say something when necessary and never took offense in arguments. By not worrying he had more confidence and defended himself if needed. Telemachus is not overdramatic and is willing to discuss any problem needed. He was always trying to avoid the kind of quagmire from the suitor. “But cool headed Telemachus countered firmly “Antonius even though my words offend you id be happy to take the crown if Zeus presents it” (1 page 90 Line 447). Telemachus is aware of what he says. He knows he could possibly be presented with a crown by Zeus and does not let Antinoos make him feel weak and worthless. He uses Antinoss words as an encouragment and tweaks it to mean something positive rather then letting him feel valueless. Telemachus does not let people get to him and has a sense of confidence in him which the suitors are slighting nervous of that showing.

It was Telemachus’ time to take lead and let the suitors know that they have no right to disrespect Penelope anymore.

Telemachus began to me more expressive on his opininion and taking risk. At first Telemachus was neophyte but he started to listen and become independent. The suitors would create cacophonies and madness to him. He no longer could accept the disrupt and take authority for himself. “The bow shall be for men, for all, but most of all for me; since mine is the authority in the house.” (Page 567 ln80) Telemachus wanted to get his point across on how he is a capable leader and can make decisions for himself. He is taking responsibility and being secure. Telemachus sees everything differently now throughout his events in life and how he has become of age. At this point, he has become a hero .The time where he allowed himself to express his concerns and ideas which lead him to become the man he always dreamt of being. The one who was no longer scared of other people’s reactions and putting aside the old tendency to be silent around the suitors. As time flew, he realized that he can be brave and has the courage to pursue what he wants to say and do in life. The ability to change as a person showed how much he cared to make an effort and difference in

himself.

Telemachus is truly the hero. He may not have the strong arms or announce how awesome of a person he is like Odysseus. But he speaks when he should speak and has a sense of control and pursuing unnecessary attention. A hero does not have to win the grand title but it can be someone who changes oneself for the better and find things they never new about themselves. When someone realizes who they are as a person it unlocks so many doors. For Telemachus, it helped him know what his weakness and strengths are. And throughout the book, he found so many strengths like speaking up and conquering his inner demons. It is rare and hard to change, and to see someone achieve it is quite fascinating and empowering. He is an example on how everyone can do anything they put their mind to. Telemachus was not a quitter, he continued to search for his father and stand up against the suitors.