Inheritance
Wikipedia Oikos (Men)
Odyssey Book 18 line 254-256 Barry B Powell
Wikipedia Oikos (Men)
Odyssey Book 18 line 254-256 Barry B Powell
Wikipedia Oikos (Men)
But when you see a beard sprouting on our son, then marry whomever you wish, and leave the house.
This scenario, for Odysseus not returning, is revealing a obstruction, that is resolved by letting Penelope marry a new father for Telemachos who should adopt him to inherit from his new legal father.
So, to let Telemachos inherit Odysseus kingdom Ithaca, which is the greatest of all Kefallinians, Odysseus apparantly must be alive and present on this particular moment to proof that he still is the legitimate father.
This means that Odysseus needed to return to Ithaca before that day arrives. Penelope is awaiting Odysseus' return until she is forced to remarry to give her son a future. Than of course Telemachos will not inherit the crown.
So, to let Telemachos inherit Odysseus kingdom Ithaca, which is the greatest of all Kefallinians, Odysseus apparantly must be alive and present on this particular moment to proof that he still is the legitimate father.
This means that Odysseus needed to return to Ithaca before that day arrives. Penelope is awaiting Odysseus' return until she is forced to remarry to give her son a future. Than of course Telemachos will not inherit the crown.
The relationship between father and son was bound intrinsically to the transfer of family property: a legitimate son could expect to inherit the property of his father and, in return, was legally obligated to provide for his father in his old age. If a son failed to care for his parents he could be prosecuted and a conviction would result in the loss of his citizen rights. However, sons were not compelled to maintain their fathers in their old age if they had not provided them with a skill. Furthermore, the heir to an inheritance would also be required to perform burial rites at the deceased's funeral and continue to provide annual commemorative rites. This would have been an extremely important consideration for the Athenians, who were notoriously pious.
The classical times in Athens are of course much later in time, but the old rules are still visible, inheriting at reaching maturity.
Taking care of the parents, including their burial, is a part of this and indeed, Penelope weaves Laërtes shroud. Penelope used this obligation to postpone the marriage.
And providing skills to the son is left to a mentor called ... Mentor.
So, this is about inheriting. Telemachos will inherit the crown also. But there seems to be a problem.
And providing skills to the son is left to a mentor called ... Mentor.
So, this is about inheriting. Telemachos will inherit the crown also. But there seems to be a problem.
Part of inheritance law of Gortyns in Crete
An adopted son was no longer a member of his original oikos, but was transferred to the oikos of his adopter. If he wished to return to his original oikos, he had to leave a son of his own in his adoptive oikos in order that it might continue.