Telemachus
- proper noun
- /ˌtɛlɪˈmækəs/
- In ancient Rome, Telemachus, a Christian monk, bravely opposed the gladiatorial games, ultimately leading to his martyrdom.
Examples
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According to tradition, Telemachus was killed for his courageous attempt to stop the gruesome gladiatorial games in the Colosseum.
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The story of Telemachus illustrates the sacrifice of a monk who lost his life fighting against the brutality of ancient Roman entertainment.
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Homer had already introduced Telemachus, the son of Ulysses, as a narrator of the first four books of the Odyssey.
Academic text (2000) -
Telemachus, as did one day Hercules, son of Jupiter, seems to be seated between Voluptuousness and Virtue.
Academic text (2000) -
Telemachus has come into the grotto, and already the nymph had preceded him.
Academic text (2000) -
But old accounts need settling, for Venus has not forgotten how Telemachus turned away from the more blatant seductions of her cult on Cyprus.
Academic text (2000) -
Striking examples of the latter are noted in two moving passages in which Telemachus comes to understand the intimate connection between his dalliance on Calypso's island and his moral development, which is the true purpose of his journey.
Academic text (2000) -
In the context of this state of reflectiveness and his coming to terms with the past as well as his present circumstances, the Telemachus that David depicts struggling with his passions and his conscience is a forgiving image, an image accepting of youthful vanity, human weakness, the progress of life, and the protection of Providence.
Academic text (2000)
Surface Forms
Etymology
Telemachus comes from Greek parts tele- 'far' and -machus 'battle' or 'fighter', so the name means someone who fights far away. The monk called Telemachus tried to stop violent arena fights, and that brave act fits the 'fighter' idea of the name.
