He Comes Home as a Beggar
In The Odyssey, when Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca, Athena disguises him as an old beggar. He does not rush in and announce himself—he starts testing everyone around him.The Odyssey: Why Odysseus Has to Prove Himself
He Has to Learn Who Stayed Loyal
Odysseus watches his household before revealing who he is. He finds kindness from the swineherd Eumaeus, reunites in secret with his son Telemachus, and sees which people sided with the suitors.The Odyssey: Why Odysseus Has to Prove Himself
