Son of
Odysseus and
Penelope. The first part of
The Odyssey,
Homer's epic narrative, deals with Telemachus and his journey to find news of his
father. For this reason, the first four books are often called
the Telemachy. Many argue that the character of
Hamlet is vaguely reminiscent of Telemachus because he waits so long to avenge his father. Telemachus waits almost twenty years and has to be motivated by
Athene before he sets out in search of Odysseus, at which time it becomes apparent to the reader that Odysseus will find his own damn way home.
Can also be written as Telemachos.