Penelope is a central character in Homer's Odyssey. She is the queen of Ithaca, wife of the hero Odysseus, and daughter of the Spartan king Icarius and Asterodia (or Periboea)

. She and Odysseus have one son, Telemachus, who was born just before Odysseus left for the Trojan War

. Penelope is renowned for her loyalty and fidelity to Odysseus during his twenty-year absence—ten years fighting in the Trojan War and another ten years struggling to return home. During this long period, more than a hundred suitors vie for her hand, assuming Odysseus to be dead

. To delay remarriage, she cleverly weaves a funeral shroud for Odysseus's father Laertes but secretly unravels it each night to postpone finishing it, thus buying time and holding onto hope for Odysseus's return

. Her intelligence and cunning are further demonstrated when she sets a contest for the suitors: whoever can string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe heads may marry her. This contest ultimately reveals Odysseus himself, disguised as a beggar, who wins and reunites with Penelope

. Penelope is portrayed as a thoughtful, resourceful, and strong woman who actively manages her difficult situation with wit and patience. She is ambivalent at times, even considering remarriage, but ultimately remains faithful and exercises agency in deciding her fate

. In summary, Penelope is the faithful queen of Ithaca, celebrated for her loyalty, intelligence, and resilience in waiting for Odysseus's return and cleverly fending off numerous suitors during his long absence