Odysseus proves his identity to the cowherd and the swineherd by revealing a scar on his thigh, which was inflicted by a boar when he was young. This scar is a unique and personal detail that only Odysseus would know about, confirming his true identity to the cowherd and the swineherd.
The swineherd and cowherd were described as downcast in "The Odyssey" because they were mourning the absence of Odysseus, their rightful king, who had been away for over twenty years. They were loyal to him and longed for his return, feeling disheartened by the chaos and lack of leadership in his absence.
Odysseus enlists the aid of the swineherd and cowherd by revealing his true identity to them and gaining their trust. He tells them his plan to defeat the suitors and asks for their loyalty and assistance in fighting alongside him. They agree to help him, showing their steadfast loyalty and dedication to Odysseus.
He tested the Herder by Pretending to be a beggar that has been worn down. He asks of the king (himself) and how he was a great warrior. The Herder did not have any idea that the king was in front of him the whole time.
Odysseus told the swineherd if his lord didn't return as Odysseus said he would, the swineherd should kill him so that other beggars wouldn't try to deceive him.
Odysseus proves his identity to the cowherd and the swineherd by revealing a scar on his thigh, which was inflicted by a boar when he was young. This scar is a unique and personal detail that only Odysseus would know about, confirming his true identity to the cowherd and the swineherd.
the swineherd, the shepherd, and the cowherd
move
Odysseus gave them money, villages, and respect.
He had several: Philoetius the cowherd; Eumaeus the swineherd; or Eurycleia the nurse.
He reveals himself so that they may help him slaughter the suitors.
The swineherd and cowherd were described as downcast in "The Odyssey" because they were mourning the absence of Odysseus, their rightful king, who had been away for over twenty years. They were loyal to him and longed for his return, feeling disheartened by the chaos and lack of leadership in his absence.
Odysseus enlists the aid of the swineherd and cowherd by revealing his true identity to them and gaining their trust. He tells them his plan to defeat the suitors and asks for their loyalty and assistance in fighting alongside him. They agree to help him, showing their steadfast loyalty and dedication to Odysseus.
He tested the Herder by Pretending to be a beggar that has been worn down. He asks of the king (himself) and how he was a great warrior. The Herder did not have any idea that the king was in front of him the whole time.
Eumaeus was Odysseus's swineherd.
Odysseus had shown his scar to his faithful servants in order to prove that he (still disguised as the beggar) was truly Odysseus--King of Ithaca. He had to convince the swineherd and cowherd that he was Odysseus to get their aid on the plot against the suitors or in this case a slaughter in the halls. - Book 21 of The Odyssey
Philotius