When Athena arrives in Ithaca disguised as Mentes in Book I of The Odyssey, Telemachus greets her with the hospitality due every guest in ancient Greece. Though he is grief-stricken at the sight of the suitors in his father's house, Telemachus is mortified that a guest is standing without any greeting on his porch, and he immediately greets Athena (disguised as Mentes) and relieves her of her spear. He seats Athena on a chair of honor and sits down on a less comfortable chair.
As his maids serve Athena a bountiful meal, Telemachus asks Athena (again, disguised as Mentes), about herself (or himself). Telemachus's attitude is one of respect and humility. Then, Mentes/Athena urges Telemachus to rid his house of suitors, and Telemachus thanks Athena for her advice. He listens carefully to each word she has said. He urges Athena to stay in Ithaca and rest and receive a gift from him, but she says she must leave. Telemachus shows the respect and warmth that proper Greeks are supposed to exhibit towards strangers.
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