Mentoring

The Story of Mentor

The story of Mentor originates from Homer’s Odyssey. When Odysseus, king of Ithaca, went to fight in the Trojan War, he entrusted the care of his household to Mentor. Mentor served as teacher and overseer to Odysseus’ son Telemachus.

After the war, Odysseus was condemned to wander vainly for ten years in his attempt to return home. In time, Telemachus, now grown, went in search of his father. Athens, goddess of war and patroness of the arts and industry, assumed the form of Mentor and accompanied Telemachus in his quest.

Eventually, father and son were reunited and together they cast down would-be usurpers of Odysseus’ throne and of Telemachus’

Birthright. In time, the word mentor became synonymous with trusted advisor, friend, teacher and wise person.

Mentoring is a fundamental form of human development where one person invests time, energy and personal know-how in assisting the growth and ability of another person. Mentors are those special people in our lives who, through their assistance, help us to move toward fulfilling our potential.