The Odyssey 'Telemachia'
THE ODYSSEY Books 1-4
1. The story of Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Orestes and Clytaemenstra is a recurring theme during these first 4 books of the odyssey. The references I have picked up on throughout the four books are as listed:
- Book 1, page 4, Section 29-48. This is the first reference to the story of Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Orestes and Clytaemenstra. In this, it is at an assembly of gods in Zeus' palace. Zeus, who would open discussion among them, was in thought of the handsome Aegisthus. Zeus speaks about the gods being regarded as the source of men's trouble, and states that it is their own transgressions that bring them suffering. He continues to speak of Aegisthus' destiny not being one where he would steal Agamemnon's wife and murder her husband when he came home. Athene then speaks and says "Aegisthus' end was just what he deserved and that may anyone who act as he did share his fate!"
- Book 1, page 12, Section 298-303. Athene is telling Telemachus that he is no longer a child and must put childish thoughts behind him. She goes on to ask him "Have you not heard what a name Orestes made for himself in the world when he killed the cunning Aegisthus for murdering his noble father?" She then tells him that he has grown and must be as brave as Orestes.
- Book 3, page 36, Section 193-200. This reference is spoken by Nestor and is another encouragement to be as brave as Orestes.
- Book 3, page 37, Section 247-329. Telemachus asks Nestor to tell him what really happened, how did the imperial Agamemnon meet his end? Where was Menelaus, and by what cunning snare did that treacherous Aegisthus contrive to kill a man far braver than himself? Was Menelaus away from Achaean Argos and wandering abroad? Is that why Aegisthus plucked up the courage to strike?
All these questions are answered and Nestor gives one version of the Agamemnon return.
- Book 4, page 47, Section 90-93. A brief reference to Clytaemenstra's treachery towards her husband and how it enabled
1. The story of Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Orestes and Clytaemenstra is a recurring theme during these first 4 books of the odyssey. The references I have picked up on throughout the four books are as listed:
- Book 1, page 4, Section 29-48. This is the first reference to the story of Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Orestes and Clytaemenstra. In this, it is at an assembly of gods in Zeus' palace. Zeus, who would open discussion among them, was in thought of the handsome Aegisthus. Zeus speaks about the gods being regarded as the source of men's trouble, and states that it is their own transgressions that bring them suffering. He continues to speak of Aegisthus' destiny not being one where he would steal Agamemnon's wife and murder her husband when he came home. Athene then speaks and says "Aegisthus' end was just what he deserved and that may anyone who act as he did share his fate!"
- Book 1, page 12, Section 298-303. Athene is telling Telemachus that he is no longer a child and must put childish thoughts behind him. She goes on to ask him "Have you not heard what a name Orestes made for himself in the world when he killed the cunning Aegisthus for murdering his noble father?" She then tells him that he has grown and must be as brave as Orestes.
- Book 3, page 36, Section 193-200. This reference is spoken by Nestor and is another encouragement to be as brave as Orestes.
- Book 3, page 37, Section 247-329. Telemachus asks Nestor to tell him what really happened, how did the imperial Agamemnon meet his end? Where was Menelaus, and by what cunning snare did that treacherous Aegisthus contrive to kill a man far braver than himself? Was Menelaus away from Achaean Argos and wandering abroad? Is that why Aegisthus plucked up the courage to strike?
All these questions are answered and Nestor gives one version of the Agamemnon return.
- Book 4, page 47, Section 90-93. A brief reference to Clytaemenstra's treachery towards her husband and how it enabled
Bibliography: – Homer, The Odyssey)