Telegonus meaning

Telegonus is a mythological figure known as the son of Odysseus and Circe who accidentally kills his father in a tragic case of mistaken identity.


Telegonus definitions

Word backwards sunogeleT
Part of speech Telegonus is a proper noun.
Syllabic division Te-le-go-nus
Plural The plural of Telegonus is Telegoni.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) e,o,u
Consonants (5) t,l,g,n,s

In Greek mythology, Telegonus was the son of the hero Odysseus and the sorceress Circe. Telegonus was not well-known compared to his father, but he played a crucial role in the later life of Odysseus.

Telegonus was born and raised on the island of Aeaea, where his mother Circe lived. He grew up without knowing who his father was until he reached adulthood. Determined to find his father, Telegonus set out on a journey to seek out Odysseus.

The Meeting of Father and Son

Telegonus eventually arrived in Ithaca, Odysseus' homeland, not knowing that the man he was seeking was his own father. Mistaking the island for a hostile land, Telegonus and his crew started to raid and pillage the land.

The Death of Odysseus

In the ensuing conflict, Odysseus confronted Telegonus, not recognizing him as his son. A battle ensued, and unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, Telegonus struck Odysseus with a spear tipped with the poisonous spine of a stingray. This would prove to be fatal for Odysseus.

The Reconciliation

Realizing what he had done, Telegonus was distraught over unintentionally killing his father. He brought Odysseus' body back to Aeaea, where Circe used her magical powers to revive him. In the end, father and son were reunited, and the family was reconciled.

While Telegonus may not be as famous as his legendary father, his role in the story of Odysseus is a significant part of Greek mythology that showcases themes of family, forgiveness, and the consequences of actions.


Telegonus Examples

  1. Telegonus was a character in Greek mythology, known as the son of Circe and Odysseus.
  2. The discovery of a lost epic poem by Telegonus has sparked excitement among scholars.
  3. Many believe that Telegonus was responsible for accidentally killing his father, Odysseus.
  4. In certain variations of the myth, Telegonus sets out to find his father and unknowingly causes his death.
  5. Some interpretations of the story of Telegonus suggest a theme of family reunion and reconciliation.
  6. The name Telegonus is often used to refer to a long-lost or unknown offspring in literature.
  7. Telegonus has been depicted in various artworks, plays, and poems throughout history.
  8. Scholars continue to debate the significance of Telegonus in the context of Greek mythology.
  9. In modern times, the character of Telegonus has inspired new works of fiction and retellings of ancient stories.
  10. The legacy of Telegonus serves as a reminder of the complex relationships and consequences within families.


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  • Updated 05/04/2024 - 19:43:14