The Origin of Mentor
It is widely cited that the concept of mentoring originated with the character of Mentor in Homer's Odyssey.
During the ten-year Trojan War, ~ 1194–1184 BC, Odysseus, the king of Ithica, left his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus to lead his army. He placed Telemachus under the care of his trusted companion Mentor, whose job it was to protect and guide him.
However, Odysseus faces a series of obstacles and challenges that stop him from returning home for another ten years after the war. While this is happening, many young noblemen pressure his wife Penelope with the hope that she’ll marry one of them, denying Telemachus his birthright.
Mentor never defends Penelope in Odysseus’ absence, nor does he provide guidance to Telemachus. Tragically Telemachus ended up insecure, indecisive and unconfident in his ability to claim his birthright.
Fortunately for Odysseus, the gods liked to interfere in the lives of mortals, and the goddess Athena who wanted Odysseus back on the throne and so appeared (by shapeshifting into a “wise” version of Mentor) to young Telemachus to provided him the much-needed guidance.
When Odysseus finally returns, he is recognized only by his faithful dog and a nurse. It is only with the help of Telemachus, his now wise son, Odysseus destroys the insistent suitors of his faithful wife, Penelope, and reestablishes himself in his kingdom.
In the end it wasn’t Mentor himself who provided Telemachus with the guidance, it was the Athena the Greek goddess of wisdom. Thus, Athena becomes meaning behind the term “Mentor” – One who chooses to give another advice and help.