Odysseus: Novel Summary: Chapters 3-4

Chapter 3: In Pylos, Telemachus visits Nestor, a leader during the Trojan War who is now living peacefully as a nobleman. Telemachus is afraid to talk to him because he is so old and respected, but Athena coaxes him and encourages him. Nestor gladly reminisces about the glory days of the Trojan War, but he has no information about Odysseus' fate sailing home. Nestor shows excellent hospitality, and so Athena favors him and tells him to equip Telemachus with horses so he can continue his search on land.
Chapter 4: Nestor's son guides Telemachus to Menelaus' house to inquire more about Odysseus. They are welcomed warmly and fed, and when Menelaus speaks well of Odysseus, Telemachus begins to cry. Helen, formerly of Troy but now returned to the Greeks, realizes that her husband's guest is Odysseus' son, and after Telemachus learns more stories about his father, he asks Menelaus' if he knows any news about Odysseus. Menelaus tells Telemachus of a prophecy that he gained by capturing a prophet called The Old Man of the Sea. The prophet told him that Odysseus would be a prisoner on an island, which is true. Menelaus gives Telemachus gifts of silver and gold to help offset the suitors' wastefulness.
Meanwhile, the suitors have just realized that Telemachus has voyaged unannounced, and they are very angry, and they begin to plot his death. Penelope learns that her son has departed as well as the suitor's evil plans from a trusted servant, Medon. She gets very upset and cries, but she is comforted by the nurse Euryklita, and Athena who comes to her in a dream in the form of her sister.
Meanwhile, the suitors have sailed on a ship with the intent to ambush Telemachus and kill him.