Why does Telemachus initially doubtful that Odysseus is his father?

Telemachus is initially doubtful that Odysseus is his father because he has grown up believing Odysseus is dead, and the stories of his father’s heroism seem almost mythical. When Odysseus returns in disguise, Telemachus struggles to reconcile the reality of the weary traveler with the grand tales he has heard about his father's past. Additionally, the gods' intervention and the dramatic nature of Odysseus's return create an atmosphere of uncertainty, making it difficult for Telemachus to trust that the man before him is truly his father.