In the Odyssey, why does't Telemachus become king of Ithaca himself?Why doesn't Lartes come out of reitrement?

Question

Isn't the son fit to replace the father when he is gone? And why doesn't Lartes, Odysseus father help them out (including Penelope and her problems with her suitors)?

Answer 1

Laertes is too old and can't defend the throne if he were to take it.

As far as Telemachus, I can only assume he is too without allies to risk trying to take the throne.  If he did, he'd be dead when they assassinated him.

Not sure on that, but I can think of no other reason.  He was apparently old enough to know how to fight, he did help his father during the fight against Penolope's suitors.  I can only think its because he couldn't hold them all off by himself, so he basically kept his mouth shut and refused to take the throne for fear he'd be killed if he tried.