bravery, and how to be both a man and a host. He learns that he must fight against what the suitors represent, to stop them from claiming what is his. Nestor and Menelaos guide Telemakhos, with Athena's help, toward manhood, a destination long overdue.When Odysseus finally reaches home the first person he reveals himself to, besides Athena, is Telemakhos. Their reunion is full of joy and emotion leading to tears. Odysseus immediately treats him like an inferior telling Telemakhos his plans while expecting him to carry them out. This is a role that Telemakhos still deserves, though not for long. After the plans are laid, Telemakhos gathers the suitors spears and shields, along with his fathers display of weapons, while his father finds out how strong the suitors are. Telemakhos does very well in gathering the arms and keeping the suitors busy while holding his temper at the mistreatment of his disguised father. He does not want to jeopardize a triumph with ignorance. He acts very mature, having learned from the best sources in the land. He has definitely changed from the boy he was.Telemakhos does equal his father by the end of the book. He strings the bow that only Odysseus could string and stops only because of his fathers plan, and he said, "Blast and damn it, must I be a milksop all my life"(549)? Saying this, he proves he has wisdom over pride because he could have proved equal to his father with everyone watching. Instead he gained much arete by using his wisdom over selfish ambition. He obviously has the strength and wit of Odysseus and it is clear that Athena favors him as she does his father. When time comes for Odysseus to reveal himself, the suitors mock the decision of the queen to let the beggar try to string the bow. Telemakhos says, "Mother, as to the bow and who may handle it or not handle it, no man here has more authority than I do-..."(555). Then he tells her to go to her room so that she will be safe....
