Books 3 and 4: Summary

Telemachus and Athena (still disguised as Mentor) arrive at Pylos to participate in a ritual sacrifice. As they arrive, 4,500 people have lined the beach to offer 81 bulls in sacrifice to Poseidon. Telemachus feels awkward to approach King Nestor, oldest of the Greek chieftains, but makes a favorable impression on him under Athena’s guidance.

Nestor tells Telemachus that he has little to offer regarding Odysseus, having last seen Ithaca’s king shortly after the victory at Troy. He then talks of the old days and elaborates on the story of Agamemnon’s murder.

Nestor encourages Telemachus by narrating the story of how Orestes had avenged Agamemnon’s death and reclaimed the kingdom by killing both his mother and Aegisthus. He then suggests that Telemachus, along with Nestor’s son Pisistratus, visit Sparta to meet Menelaus, Agamemnon’s brother, who may be of more help. Athena remains in Pylos to look after the ship’s crew while Telemachus travels to Sparta the next day.

Upon their arrival at Sparta, Telemachus and Pisistratus are warmly welcomed. There is a wedding feast going on in celebration of the respective marriages of Menelaus’s son and daughter. Telemachus, who bears a striking resemblance to his father, is soon recognized as Odysseus’ son. The king and queen recall some of Odysseus’ exploits at Troy, but postpone serious talk until the next day.

The following day, Menelaus approaches Telemachus privately to enquire about his reason for coming to Sparta. Telemachus tells him about the situation at home, that the kingdom has been overrun by Penelope’s suitors. Menelaus expresses outrage at the suitors’ behavior and encourages Telemachus by telling him that Odysseus is alive and a captive of Calypso.

Back in Ithaca, the suitors have discovered that Telemachus has gone to Pylos in search of his father. They plan to ambush his ship on its way back. Penelope is distraught to learn of her son’s trip and the planned assassination, but is soothed by a vision sent by Athena.

Books 3 and 4: Analysis

The first four books of the Odyssey are known to scholars as the “Telemacheia.” They deal with the young prince’s quest for information about his father as well as his own journey toward manhood. Athena is a helpful guide in this journey. Two themes dominate these two books: first, loyalty to human comrades and family, and, second, devotion to the gods. Throughout the Odyssey, Agamemnon’s story is referred to several times. Agamemnon’s death is a cautionary tale about what can happen when loyalty goes awry.

Nestor expresses his devotion through sacrificial feasts, and Telemachus participates in the huge celebration in honor of Poseidon upon his arrival in Pylos. Such displays of devotion were important to the Greeks because gods were integral to their daily lives.

Menelaus’ queen is the same Helen whose abduction from Sparta caused the Trojan War. Foreshadowing Odysseus’ disguise when he returns to Ithaca, Helen recalls his slave outfit, which enabled him to infiltrate Troy under the guise of a beggar.