Ulysses Returns Home
King Ulysses’ Unexpected Absence
Ten long years had passed since the fall of Troy, where all the Greek kings and princes had united in battle. By this time, they had all returned to their respective families and homes, all except Ulysses, the King of Ithaca – an island off the coast of Greece. Ever since he had set sail from Troy, no one had heard any news concerning him or his whereabouts, stirring panic among his subjects in Ithaca.
Architecting an Alliance and a Diplomatic Standoff
During Ulysses’ absence, princely aspirants vied for control over the throne of Ithaca. They were, however, unable to reach a consensus about who should inherit the throne, given their conviction that Ulysses was either dead or missing. Their solution was to urge Penelope, Ulysses’ wife, to pick a future king among them. Nonetheless, Penelope was not convinced of Ulysses’ alleged demise and creatively delayed her decision, increasing the aspirants’ impatience by the day.
Penelope’s Clever Ruse, and the Princes Become Agitated
Penelope cleverly used her weaving to delay choosing a new king. Promising to marry one upon the completion of her woven cloth, she cunningly undid her day’s work each night, hoping to avoid a hasty marriage. However, her ruse was discovered by the persistent princes, who demanded that she select her new husband immediately, convinced that Ulysses would never return.
The Prodigal King Returns
Unknown to them, a lone visitor named Ulysses had landed on a secluded area of the island, eager to understand what had transpired in Ithaca while he was away. Incognito as a beggar, and forewarned of potential threats, he discovered the princes’ misbehaviour from a sympathetic swineherd. At his hut, he also encountered his son, Telemachus, and the duo conspired to overthrow the contentious princes.
Setting the Stage for a Reveal
Ulysses disguised himself as a beggar, infiltrating his own palace where only his faithful dog recognized him. Here, the unsuspecting Penelope ensured he was fed, unaware of his true identity. Known only to Argus, Telemachus then secured the weapons belonging to the princes. He disclosed to his mother her role in the forthcoming strategy – she was to arrange a feast, followed by an announcement that she would marry the prince who could fire an arrow from Ulysses’ great bow.
The Showdown
At the grand feast, Ulysses, in his beggar’s guise, watched as the princes failed to fire the bow, arguing it was impossible. Ulysses stepped up, demanding a turn with the bow amidst laughter and derision. His successful arrow shot astonished them, and in the ensuing confusion, as doors were barred and weapons vanished, Ulysses eliminated all the rogue princes.
The Recognition and the Happy Ending
Emerging victorious, Ulysses revealed his identity. Skeptical at first, Penelope was convinced of his authenticity only when Ulysses mentioned the unique bed carved from a living tree inside their palace – a secret known only to them. Ulysses’ homecoming marked the return of peace to the kingdom, and recognition of his rightful rule over Ithaca.