In Book 4 of the Odyssey, Telemachus continues his journey in search of his father, Odysseus. The young prince is welcomed by King Menelaus and his wife Helen, the very Helen whose abductions sparked the Trojan War. The couple is celebrating the separate marriages of both their son and their daughter, thus the palace is filled with merriment and gaiety. Telemachus introduces himself and his companion, Nestor's son, Pisistratus, and explains their quest. Menelaus appreciates his openness and draws a parallel to his own journey home after the war, highlighting the sufferings he faced and how Odysseus stood by him through it all.
He believes Odysseus to be dead, weeping as he recounts his friend's bravery. Helen joins them, and in a rare moment of peace, the queen shares her own view regarding Odysseus'cleverness and intellect. She tells them of his exploits during the Trojan War, especially his role in the deception involving the wooden horse, that ultimately led to the downfall of Troy.
The anecdotes are an ode to Odysseus'character, bolstering Telemachus'belief in his father's abilities. The discussion becomes painful when the king and queen discuss Odysseus'possible fate, leading Helen to drop a magical drug into the wine to pacify the melancholy. She transitions the conversation beautifully into a night of song and dance, an act of escapism.
Menelaus offers Pisistratus and Telemachus gifts, assuring them they would always find a friend in him. The next morning, Telemachus discloses to Menelaus of the suitors trying to claim his mother Penelope and the throne of Ithaca, beseeching them to give him some tidings of Odysseus. Spurred by his request, Menelaus tells of his encounter with the sea god Proteus during his journey back from the war. Proteus informed Menelaus of the hero's fates, Ajax and Agamemnon's deaths, and Odysseus'incarceration by the nymph Calypso.
in her island Ogygia. This news strikes hope and determination into Telemachus, who resolves to return to Ithaca and deal with the suitors. Back in Ithaca, the suitors learn of Telemachus'journey and plot to ambush and kill the young prince on his return in order to consolidate their control over Odysseus'household. Penelope is informed of Telemachus'secret journey and the suitors'plot against her son.
In her distress, Athena sends her a phantom in the form Penelope's sister, who assures the queen of Telemachus'safety under Athena's patronage. Book 4 ends with one of the maids suggesting Penelope marry the suitor who offers her the finest gifts, to which Penelope responds that the gods will guide her in choosing her path. It encapsulates the sadness of Penelope, the fear for her son, the absence of her husband, and the twisted anticipation of the suitors.