This study traces the history of mentoring to its source in the Ancient Greek epic the Odyssey in order to reclaim and redefine mentorship. By examining the relationship between Athena and Telemachus, as well as Athena and Odysseus, this study discovers an ancient mythological prototype for effective mentoring. Through investigating the identity and capacities of the archetypal mentor, we find that she possesses an adaptive intelligence and practical wisdom that enables her to perceive and nurture unrealized potential in the protégé.

Furthermore, this study discovers a recursive mentoring cycle and explores the overall structure of the mentoring relationship as it expands over time. Through the characters of Athena, Telemachus, and Odysseus, we see that mentoring is not a linear process but rather a cyclical one. As the protégé gains competence and independence, the intervals between mentoring cycles increase. This cyclical model of mentoring reflects the spiraling nature of personal growth, guiding the protégé toward greater self-reliance and maturity. And yet, the Odyssey posits a mentoring relationship that extends much further into adulthood than our contemporary understanding of mentoring admits.

This interdisciplinary study bridges classical mythology and contemporary scholarship, building upon the work of various scholars in classics, literature, business, and psychology. By exploring the structure and dynamics of mentoring relationships in the Odyssey, this research reveals mentoring's enduring significance and potential for transformation. By reclaiming ancient Greek understandings of mentoring and returning to the ancient wisdom that underlies this archetype, this study inspires a more holistic approach to mentorship that has broad implications for mentoring in the 21st Century.