; he can do anything. (I, 244-249)The first step towards getting Odysseus home is when Athena disguises herself as Mentes, who motivates Telemakhos to find his father and aide in his return. It is Athenas revelation of divinity to Telemakhos that spurs his courage and determination that help him realize his dream of revenge. For at first, Telemakhos feels that Odysseus is gone, no sign, no word of him; and I inherit trouble and tears-and not for him alone, the gods have laid such other burdens on me. (I, 287-289) However, Athena, as Mentes, reassures him, Dear friend, you are tall and well set-up, I see; be brave-you, too-and men in times to come will speak of you respectfully. (I, 348-350) and insists he address the assembly. Homer effectively uses the content and style of the speeches at the assembly to reveal the types and natures of the characters. Encouraged by Athena, Telemakhos takes the speakers staff and demonstrates that he is quickly becoming a man capable of speaking up to the suitors. Athenas next identity disguise comes as Mentor and then Telemakhos to prepare and aid his journey to find information on his fathers whereabouts. As Athena leaves Pylos, Telemakhos first stop, in the form of a hawk, Nestor reassures Telemakhos of his bright future when he says, My dear child, I can have no fears for you, no doubt about your conduct or your heart, if, at your age, the gods are your companions. (III, 407-409) Here, Homer shows Telemakhos eventual identity through his maturation. Athena eventually uses her disguised identities to help Odysseus get back to his kingdom in Ithaka. Disguised as a young peasant, she leads Odysseus to the palace of Alkinoos and Arete on the island of Phaiakia and tells him to win Aretes favor to receive help. She then disguises herself as Alkinoos herald, Pontinoos, to arrange his next crew to escort him home. Homer makes it quite clear that help from the gods, namely Athena, is crucial to...
