Instead, he acts as a catalyst for Penelope's story. He poses as a beggar, arriving just as the suitors are pressuring Penelope to choose a new husband.
Here's how he influences the narrative:
* He reveals his identity to Telemachus: The beggar is actually Odysseus, disguised. He tells Telemachus his true identity and they plan to defeat the suitors together. This sets in motion the events that lead to the final confrontation.
* He tests Penelope's loyalty: The beggar acts as a catalyst for Penelope's emotional journey. He claims to have seen Odysseus, feeding Penelope's hope and despair simultaneously. He also pretends to be Odysseus' former shipmate, further fueling her longing for her lost husband.
* He encourages Penelope's resistance: The beggar's presence empowers Penelope to stand against the suitors' advances. He inspires her to continue her resistance to remarrying, even though the pressure is immense.
In essence, the "tale" the beggar tells is the story of Odysseus' return and Penelope's steadfast loyalty. This story unfolds gradually throughout the poem, with the beggar playing a crucial role in its development.
The beggar's role is not to tell a story, but to trigger Penelope's own narrative of hope, longing, and ultimately, reunion.