Odyssey Book 23

After the battle and executions, Penelope is informed that the victor is her husband, Ulysses. Still understandably wary that this is truly Ulysses, she expresses her doubt. Telemachus insists and gently scolds his mother for not believing. 

Ulysses then asks Telemachus to leave them and asks Telemachus to have a crew stage a fake wedding festival. Many of the suitors killed were from the aristocracy, and other families of prominence, so Ulysses wants to give the impression of a wedding (as though a suitor has been selected), and avoid the appearance of the great slaughter, should any relatives visit the estate. 

As Telemachus attends to that task, Penelope asks Eurycleia to move the bed in the master's chamber, and put new blankets on it. This is a test for Ulysses, as he is the one who had carved the bed from a living tree many years ago and would know that the bed cannot be moved. When Ulysses expresses concern that the bed he had built had been replaced, Penelope knew then that the man before her is Ulysses. 

That night, Ulysses and Penelope spend a romantic night together. Athena delays the sunrise, to give the reunited couple more time together. 

Analysis

Again, there remains debate among scholars regarding whether or not Penelope knew that this was Ulysses or not before the final proof is offered. It is not unreasonable, however, for her to be skeptical. There had been many previous attempts by suitors to deceive her, and her suspicion is certainly justified. In addition, disbelief that Ulysses had returned after 20 years would fuel such doubts, as well. 

Ulysses demonstrates his strategic military skills when he asks Telemachus to stage the appearance of a wedding. Ulysses is fully aware that many of those slaughtered were from families that might wish revenge upon him, and at this time, avoiding further conflict and bloodshed is necessary. 

We then see Penelope's final "test" of Ulysses' identity, which he passes. 

His brutish warrior image is contrasted against his tenderness for Penelope. Their blissful night of reconciliation brings true romance to the ending of Ulysses' struggles.