The first four books of Homer's Odyssey describe the transformation of Telemachus from an immature and frightened child into an intelligent adult as he comes to encompass the qualities that the ancient Greeks looked for in heroes: respect for the rules of Xenia, loyalty to one's family, and wisdom gained from traveling. First, the young prince offers food, shelter, and gifts to Mentes, whom he meets in his kingdom, demonstrating his understanding of the host-host relationship. Next, Telemachus acquires a vengeful attitude towards the suitors after speaking to Mentes, the form Athena takes during her visit to Ithaca, which inspires him to defend his father's reputation. Finally, the young prince gains some knowledge through his travels to Sparta, where King Menelaus gives him advice and tells him where Odysseus is. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBecause the Achaeans frequently traveled by sea and stayed in foreign ports, they frequently welcomed strangers into their homes at short notice, sometimes for long periods of time. time. So, they felt the need to reciprocate after being treated so well in foreign countries. Therefore, a good king or lord is expected to treat a stranger with care and compassion, and this dedication to common courtesy is valued in Achaean society. When Eteoneus asks Menelaus what to do when strangers arrive in the kingdom, the king tells him to "think of all the hospitality we have enjoyed from other men before we return home" (4.38-39) and orders Eteoneus to welcome the guests. Similarly, upon hearing of Mentes' arrival in Ithaca, Telemachus rushes out, "mortified that a guest is still standing at the door" (1.140-41). He treats the stranger like a god (ironically, Athena visited him disguised as Mentes) and takes Mentes' weapon and offers him food and shelter; after dinner, Mentes explains that he must leave, and Telemachus tells him to "stay longer, however eager you are to sail, that you may bathe, rest, and cheer up" (1.356-57) . By attending to his guest's every need and providing him with everything he desires, Telemachus adheres to the rules of Xenia and shows an understanding of their importance to a Greek hero. Bright-eyed Athena, visiting Ithaca as Mentes, accepts Telemachus' instant hospitality. , and it is only after dinner that she attempts her plan to inspire the prince; Mentes asks him if he has "heard what glory Prince Orestes won throughout the whole world when he killed that cunning and murderous Aegisthus, who had killed his famous father" (1.342-45). King Nestor of Pylos and King Menelaus of Sparta also tell this story to young Telemachus later in The Odyssey, and the repetition of this tale suggests that the Achaeans valued family loyalty: in particular, they believed that it was the a son's duty to defend his father's name and that a son's actions at the time of his father's demise define his manhood and courage. Additionally, the frequent telling of the story indicates to Telemachus the importance of avenging his father by taking action against the suitors who invade Ithaca. Telemachus, now “more than ever charged with the memory of his father” (1.370), tells Mentes that he will take to heart his advice “to kill these suitors in your house” (1.339). Taking inspiration from Mentes and eagerly learning the actions he must take to avenge Odysseus, Prince Telemachus begins to show loyalty to his family and father and comes to.