Penelope’s Journey

The Janeiad is an everyday epic of a modern woman who is guided by Penelope, a central character from Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey.

While Odysseus’s epic journey is the main focus of The Odyssey, the subplot centers on the story of his faithful wife, Penelope. Her story is one of steadfast loyalty, cunning, and resilience.

Penelope’s story begins as soon as Odysseus departs for the war in Troy. For twenty years she remains in their palace at Ithaca, waiting for her husband’s return. During this time, she is hounded by suitors who seek to claim her hand and the throne.

To deter the suitors, Penelope crafts a plan. She promises to choose her next husband once she finishes weaving a tapestry. But each night, she unravels the work she did that day. This deception keeps the suitors hopeful for years, and prevents them from forcing her hand.

After two decades of waiting, Odysseus returns disguised as a beggar. To prove Odysseus’ identity, Penelope asks him to move their bed to test his strength. However, Odysseus tells her that he cannot move the bed, as he carved it from the root of an olive tree. As this is something only he would know, Penelope is relieved that her husband has finally returned.

As Penelope guides Jane through a similar period of waiting, will Jane and her husband meet the same fate?