Mentor (Odyssey)

In the Odyssey, Mentor (Greek: Μέντωρ, Méntōr; gen.: Μέντορος)^[1] was the son of Alcimus. In his old age Mentor was a friend of Odysseus. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War, he placed Mentor in charge of his son Telemachus,^[2] and of Odysseus' palace.^[3]

Athena's appearance as Mentor should not be confused with her appearance as Mentes in the first book of the Odyssey.^[4]

^ "Online Etymology Dictionary - Mentor". Archived from the original on 2016-11-18. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
^ Gods and Mortals in Classical Mythology; Michael Grant and John Hazel, editors; Merriam-Webster, Springfield (Massachusetts), 1993; p. 279: "MENTOR An old Ithacan of noble family whom Odysseus appointed to bring up Telemachus... in his absence... Athena, on occasion, impersonated him."
^ The New Century Classical Handbook; Catherine Avery, editor; Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1962, p. 702: "MENTOR...In the Odyssey, an Ithacan to whom Odysseus, when about to depart for the Trojan War, entrusted the care of his house and his son Telemachus. His name has become a synonym for a faithful advisor."
^ Odyssey, 1.179ff.

[1] "Online Etymology Dictionary - Mentor". Archived from the original on 2016-11-18. Retrieved 2008-02-20.

[2] Gods and Mortals in Classical Mythology; Michael Grant and John Hazel, editors; Merriam-Webster, Springfield (Massachusetts), 1993; p. 279: "MENTOR An old Ithacan of noble family whom Odysseus appointed to bring up Telemachus... in his absence... Athena, on occasion, impersonated him."

[3] The New Century Classical Handbook; Catherine Avery, editor; Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1962, p. 702: "MENTOR...In the Odyssey, an Ithacan to whom Odysseus, when about to depart for the Trojan War, entrusted the care of his house and his son Telemachus. His name has become a synonym for a faithful advisor."

[4] Odyssey, 1.179ff.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]