Laertes
The aged father of Odysseus.
Overview
Laertes is the father of Odysseus and a former ruler of Ithaca, yet the Odyssey keeps him outside the palace for most of the poem. Grieving his missing son, he withdraws to a rural estate, dresses simply and tends the land himself. In Book 24 Odysseus initially tests him with a false story, then reveals his scar and names the orchard trees his father gave him in childhood. Memory of cultivated land becomes stronger proof of identity than appearance alone. When the Suitors' relatives pursue revenge, Athena restores Laertes' strength, allowing three generations of the household to stand together in the final confrontation.
Relationships
- Odysseusfather of
Laertes is the father of Odysseus.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.