Penelope's Waiting and Recognition

Penelope's enduring fidelity, her cunning delay of the suitors, and her eventual recognition of Odysseus.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Penelope's Grief

Penelope's Sorrow Mourning Odysseus Penelope spends her days weeping for her lost husband. She refuses to remarry despite pressure from her parents and son. The Weaving Trick To delay the suitors, Penelope weaves a shroud for Laertes, unraveling it each night. The trick lasts three years until a maid betrays her. Dreams and Omens Penelope has dreams that hint at Odysseus's return. She prays to Athena for protection.

Conversation with the Beggar

Penelope and the Stranger Testing the Beggar Penelope speaks with the disguised Odysseus. She tells him her dreams and her plan for the bow contest. Odysseus's Assurance Odysseus (as the beggar) tells her that her husband will return soon. He describes Odysseus's clothes, convincing her of his truthfulness. The Dream of the Eagle Penelope recounts her dream of an eagle killing her geese, which the beggar interprets as Odysseus killing the suitors.

The Bow Contest

Penelope's Challenge Setting the Contest Penelope announces the contest of the bow. She hopes it will delay the marriage or bring Odysseus back. Watching the Suitors Fail She watches as the suitors fail. When the beggar asks to try, she agrees despite protests. The Sign When Odysseus strings the bow, Penelope feels a surge of hope. She does not yet recognize him.

The Test of the Bed

Penelope's Caution Initial Doubt After the slaughter, Penelope is told that Odysseus has returned. She is cautious and does not immediately believe it. The Bed Trick Penelope tests Odysseus by asking Euryclea to move their bed. Odysseus reacts angrily, describing how he built the bed around an olive tree. Recognition and Reunion Penelope realizes the truth and embraces Odysseus. They weep and spend the night together, recounting their sufferings.

Throughout the story until the reunion

The night before the contest

The day of the contest

After the slaughter