Telemachus doubts Odysseus' identity due to the long separation of twenty years and his lack of knowledge about his father's appearance. Initially, he assumes Odysseus is a god, as only a deity could alter appearances so dramatically. It is only when Odysseus explains that Athena's divine power caused the change that Telemachus accepts him as his father. Telemachus' bond with the swineherd Eumaeus also highlights his longing for paternal connection.

In The Odyssey, Telemachus tells the suitors to control themselves, refrain from insults and brawling, and to leave his home or face consequences. He warns them that if they persist in their behavior, Zeus will deal with them. Despite his warnings, the suitors continue their misconduct, leading to their eventual slaughter by Odysseus, Telemachus, and their allies.

In Pylos, Telemachus learns from King Nestor that he has no definitive news about Odysseus's fate. Nestor, who fought alongside Odysseus in Troy, last saw him when Odysseus chose to separate from Nestor's fleet to make sacrifices with Agamemnon. Nestor reassures Telemachus by noting Athena's protection over Odysseus and advises him to visit Menelaus in Sparta for more information.

Helen's gift of a robe to Telemachus signifies his coming of age and readiness for marriage, marking him as mature. It also establishes a bond of guest-friendship between Telemachus and Helen, reflecting Homeric traditions where such gifts symbolize alliances that could last generations. Additionally, the gesture could hint at Helen's consideration of Telemachus as a potential match for her daughter, Hermione, highlighting the social and political implications of marriage alliances.

Telemachus treats Athena, disguised as Mentes, with great hospitality and respect in The Odyssey. Despite his distress over the suitors' presence, he is mortified that a guest is unattended and immediately greets her. He offers Athena a seat of honor, serves a meal, and attentively listens to her advice. Telemachus demonstrates the traditional Greek virtues of humility and warmth toward guests, despite the chaos in his home.

Telemachus calls the Ithacans to assembly primarily to address the suitors' inappropriate behavior, as they have been consuming his family's wealth while occupying his father's home. He seeks to restore peace and order by urging them to leave. Additionally, Athena's divine encouragement strengthens his resolve to confront the suitors and potentially seek revenge if they refuse to comply with his demands.

Telemachus reunites with his father, Odysseus, in Book 16 when he visits Eumaeus's hut. Initially appearing as a beggar, Odysseus is transformed by Athena into his true form. Telemachus, overwhelmed, initially thinks Odysseus is a god but is convinced of his identity. They rejoice and plan to deal with the suitors. Athena then disguises Odysseus again before Eumaeus returns.

Telemachus convenes the assembly to express his grievances about the suitors exploiting his family's resources and disrespecting his mother, Penelope. Antinous, one of the suitors, responds angrily, blaming Penelope for the situation by accusing her of deceitfully delaying remarriage through tricks like unraveling her weaving each night. Antinous shows no remorse and shifts the blame entirely onto Penelope, dismissing Telemachus's complaints and undermining his authority.

Telemachus decides to return to Ithaca primarily due to Athena's guidance. She warns him of the suitors' plans to court his mother and the threat to his family property and honor. Athena's intervention is crucial, as it aligns with the narrative's need for Telemachus to reunite with Odysseus and resolve unresolved plot threads. Her warning also helps Telemachus avoid an ambush by the suitors, providing a practical reason for his swift return.

Telemachus secretly returns to Ithaca to avoid alerting the suitors, who are vying for his mother Penelope's hand, while hoping Odysseus is alive. Odysseus hides his identity to infiltrate the suitors' ranks without detection. Disguised by Athena, he reveals himself only to Telemachus, with whom he plans to defeat the suitors. This strategy allows Odysseus to assess allies and regain his throne with Telemachus's help.