ABSTRACT
Introduction Our title comes from reflecting on the role of the original Mentor in Homer's Odyssey: 'To him, on departing with his ships, Odysseus had given all his house in charge, that it should obey the old man and that he should keep all things safe' (Book 2, p.226 ff.). Odysseus, who would have inducted his son into the skills of leadership, has gone away to fight at Troy and then, on his lengthy journey back, to undertake the learning that will make him fit to return home and re-establish order there. It is in the likeness of Mentor that Athene, goddess of wisdom, appears to Telemachus, Odysseus's son, giving advice, encouragement and spiritual insight. Thus Mentor is essentially a standin for Odysseus, and must personify the kingly quality of wisdom.
