Telegonus (son of Odysseus)

Telegonus was, in Greek mythology, the son of Odysseus and Circe. His birth and subsequent story are primarily found in later accounts of Odysseus's life, filling in details after the events of Homer's Odyssey.

Lineage and Birth: Telegonus was born on the island of Aeaea, where Odysseus had stayed with Circe for a year during his long journey home to Ithaca. Circe raised him in isolation, unaware of his father's identity until he reached adulthood.

The Journey to Ithaca: When Telegonus became a man, Circe revealed his parentage and instructed him to seek out his father, Odysseus. She provided him with a spear tipped with the spine of a stingray, and a ship to sail to Ithaca.

The Accidental Killing of Odysseus: Upon arriving in Ithaca, Telegonus began to plunder the island, not realizing it was his father's home. Odysseus, believing his kingdom was under attack, defended Ithaca. In the ensuing battle, Telegonus, using the stingray-tipped spear Circe had given him, unknowingly struck and killed Odysseus.

Aftermath and Marriage: Discovering his terrible mistake, Telegonus was filled with remorse. He took Odysseus's body back to Aeaea, along with Penelope (Odysseus's wife) and Telemachus (Odysseus's son by Penelope). On Aeaea, Circe made Penelope immortal, and Telegonus married Penelope, while Telemachus married Circe. This effectively ended the Odyssey's narrative, providing a resolution for the major characters in a way that diverges significantly from Homer's version.

Significance: The story of Telegonus serves as a continuation of the Odysseus mythos, exploring themes of fate, identity, and the unforeseen consequences of actions. It offers a different perspective on Odysseus's legacy and the challenges faced by his family. While not part of the Homeric epics, the tale of Telegonus was a significant part of later Greek and Roman literature.