1. (XXI.85-) When Penelope sets out the axes and challenges the suitors to archery, knowing only Odysseus will be able to shoot it. 2. (XXIII.197-202) Penelope commands Eurycleia to move the unmovable bed (that Odysseus himself built) so that Odysseus (before Penelope believes it to be him) will have sleeping accomodations. Odysseus then opposes that idea, claiming that the bed cannot be moved, convincing Penelope that it truly is Odysseus. Only Odysseus, Penelope, and Eurycleia know about the bed being unmovable.
While Odysseus was gone, his wife Penelope was being forced to entertain a large group of suitors who wanted to marry her. Penelope did not like any of the suitors, and only wanted Odysseus to come home to her.
Penelope believes that the beggar is her husband, Odysseus, who has returned home in disguise after being away for many years. She tests him by asking him to move their bed, a task only Odysseus could accomplish due to its special construction.
Penelope doubts Odysseus is home due to his disheveled appearance and the possibility of him being an imposter. She tests him with a secret about their bed to confirm his identity.
Odysseus returns home to his wife Penelope and their son after being away fighting and being shipwrecked to find a host of suitors all wanting to marry Penelope.So Odysseus dressed as a beggar and hung around the suitors so that he could see if anything untoward was taking place with anyone of them and Penelope,which of course there wasn't so Odysseus killed all of the suitors before declaring his presence to Penelope.
Penelope asks Odysseus if he will arrange to have his bed moved out of their bedroom while she gets used to him being home. Odysseus replies that this is impossible because the bed is built around a tree which grows within and forms a fundamental part of the structure of the palace and so to move it would be impossible. Only Odysseus would have known this and so he passes Penelope's test.
In Book 22 of Homer's "The Odyssey," Penelope and Odysseus finally reunite after his long absence. Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, proves his identity by demonstrating his knowledge of their bed, which was uniquely constructed by Odysseus himself. This recognition solidifies their reunion and marks the beginning of Odysseus reclaiming his rightful place as king of Ithaca.
Seareach accuses Odysseus of being a coward and a fraud because he pretends to be a beggar to gain entry into his own home and to test the suitors' loyalty.
Anticleia, Odysseus's mother, asks him about his journey, his family, and his homeland of Ithaca. She also inquires about the well-being of his wife Penelope and son Telemachus.
Penelope reveals her loyalty, cleverness, and cunning in her interactions with Odysseus disguised as a beggar. She is cautious yet hopeful, testing the beggar's knowledge of Odysseus before revealing her true feelings. Penelope also shows her strength and resilience in her unwavering commitment to her husband's return.
Odysseus was lost at sea for ten years after being punished by Posiden. He was plauged by many misfortunes.
Odysseus tells Penelope that he is a friend of her husband who is held captive by Calypso on the island of Ogygia. He mentions that he is a warrior from Ithaca, and that he has been trying to find his way home for many years.