The Final Reunion: Odysseus and Penelope's Last Test

🔑Odysseus's carving of the bed proves his identity to Penelope and solidifies their reunion.

💕Penelope's skepticism is due to the betrayal of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, and highlights her undying love and devotion to Odysseus.

⚓️Tiresias's prophecy of dropping an oar inland to appease Poseidon is the next task for Odysseus to achieve lasting peace.

🌊The story doesn't end with the reunion, but continues with the falling action in the next two books, tying loose ends and ensuring justice is served.

❓Why does Penelope question Odysseus's identity even after all they've been through?

How does Odysseus prove his identity to Penelope?

—Odysseus describes how he carved their bed from an olive tree, a detail that only he would know, proving his identity to Penelope.

Why is Penelope skeptical of Odysseus's identity?

—Penelope is skeptical due to the betrayal of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, as well as the warnings Odysseus received. Her questioning showcases her undying love and devotion to Odysseus.

What is the next task for Odysseus?

—According to Tiresias's prophecy, Odysseus needs to drop an oar inland to appease Poseidon in order to achieve lasting peace.

Does the story end with the reunion of Odysseus and Penelope?

—No, the story continues with the falling action in the next two books, tying loose ends and ensuring justice is served.

Why does Penelope's skepticism highlight her virtuous love for Odysseus?

—Penelope's skepticism shows her undying love and devotion to Odysseus, as she wants to ensure that the man before her is truly her husband and not an imposter.

00:00The battle with the suitors ends and Odysseus and Penelope are finally reunited.

00:26To prove his identity, Odysseus describes how he carved their bed from an olive tree.

01:02Penelope is skeptical of Odysseus's identity, given the betrayal of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra.

01:19According to Tiresias's prophecy, Odysseus needs to drop an oar inland to achieve lasting peace.

01:36The story doesn't end with the reunion, but continues in the next two books.