Ovid's Penelope
Although Homer is regarded as the primary source for the literary character of Penelope, the influence of Ovid cannot be ignored when considering her developing persona through the medieval and early modern periods. Like Homer, but unlike other Latin classical writers, Ovid imbues Penelope with some humanity. Not only does she hold pride as the first of his heroines in his Heroides, while he is in exile, she is also identified with his wife as he cast himself as both Homer and Ulysses.