In The Odyssey, Odysseus and Telemachus embark on parallel heroic journeys to unite their family. The Online Oxford Dictionary provides the following definition of a hero: "A person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." During Homer's epic poem, Odysseus and Telemachus demonstrate courage when faced with a multitude of antagonists, such as Cyclops, and the suitors. They also demonstrate courage when faced with their self-doubt, exampled when Odysseus continues persevering through Poseidon's seemingly endless turbulent sea. Moreover, these protagonists accomplish outstanding achievements, including outsmarting Cyclops, and escaping the suitors. Furthermore, they possess noble characteristics. For instance, the author uses "godlike" to describe each, while Odysseus rejects a goddess, and Telemachus takes charge in his home despite his youth. While they journey, the two protagonists receive aid from the gods and goddesses. Each receives aid at the beginning of their journeys, Odysseus from Calypso in helping him to escape and Telemachus from Athena in helping him to embark on his journey as helpmate and legacy. Despite their moments of weakness, Odysseus and Telemachus both demonstrate parallel heroism through their acts of courage, noble characteristics and outstanding achievements during their respective journeys. .
When faced with adversity, Odysseus and Telemachus crumble in their respective moments of weakness and require help from the gods to recover. On Calypso's isle, Odysseus weeps because he fears he will not be able to return to Ithaca and be with his family. He sits on the shore, "with his eyes full of tears" (Homer 24). In response to Odysseus weeping, the gods council on Mount Olympus. After convening, Zeus, Athena and the other gods send aid to Odysseus. In a parallel moment of weakness, Telemachus "burst[s] out crying" because he fears the suitors will separate his family (Homer 16).