Odyssey - Book 21

Who inspired Penelope to set up the contest?

Athene

Who had the bow belonged to?

Iphitus

Why had Iphitus given Odysseus the bow? (2)

1 They had met in Messene 2 they had exchanged gifts

What was Iphitus doing in Messene? (2)

1 Looking for a dozen mares (lady horses) and 2 some mules

What happened to Iphitus later? (3)

1 He was killed by Heracles 2 who stole his mares 3 in Heracles' house

What was Odysseus doing in Messene? (2)

1 He had come to collect a debt 2 for 300 sheep stolen by some Messenians

Where is the bow kept?

In a storeroom

What does Pen need to open the store room? (3)

1 A key 2 with an ivory handle 3 which she picks up with a 'strong hand'

What noise does the door of the store room make?

That of a bull

What does Pen do when she takes the bow? (2)

1 Puts it on her lap 2 weeps

How does Pen address the Suitors? (2)

1 With a veil on 2 by a massive pillar

What do Eumaeus and Philoetius do on seeing the bow?

Weep

What does Antinous call Eum and Phil?

'You snivelling peasants!'

What does Antinous call the bow?

'the bow that will seal our fate.'

Who digs the trench for the 12 axes?

Telemachus

What does the digging of the trench earn Tel.?

Admiration

How many times does Tel. fail to string the bow?

Three times

Why does Tel. not string the bow the fourth time?

Od. stops him with a shake of the head

Who tries to string the bow first?

Leodes

Who dies last?

Leodes

Who is Leodes? (2)

1 A priest 2 He disapproves of the Suitors

Why can Leodes not string the bow?

He has delicate hands

What does Antinous order to happen next? (2)

1 Tallow should be heated up 2 the bow should be greased

Who carries out Antinous' order?

Melanthius, the goatherd

Who does Od. meet outside the hall? (2)

1 Eumaeus (pig man) 2 Philoetius (cow man)

What is the two men's reponse to Od's question?

They pray for his return

What question does Od. ask?

Whether they would fight for Od. if he returned

What does Od. promise the two men? (3)

1 a wife 2 possessions 3 a house

How does Od. confirm his identity?

He shows them his scar

What three orders does Od. give them?

1 Eum. should give Od the bow 2 they should keep the women away 3 Phil. should lock the courtyard gate

Who is the second most important suitor?

Eurymachus

What does Eurymachus worry about when he can't sting the bow?

What people will think about him

What does Antinous suggest? (2)

1 make a libation to Apollo 2 since it is his holiday 3 sacrifice some goats tomorrow

What happens when Od. asks to have a go at the bow?

The Suitors are angry

What does Antinous suggest about Od.?

That he has been drinking

What story does Antinous tell about the danger of drink? (3)

1 The centaur Eurytion got drunk 2 at the wedding of Hippodameia 3 and tried to rape her

What happened to Eurytion?

His ears and nose were cut off

Who does Antinous threaten to send Od. to?

King Echetus the Destroyer

Who intervenes to protect Od?

Penelope

What does Eurymachus worry about?

What people will think if Od. strings the bow

What does Pen tell Eurymachus? (2)

1 No one will think highly of him 2 since he destroys a great man's household

What does Pen promise Od if he strings the bow? (5)

1 A cloak 2 tunic 3 javelin 4 sandals 5 a sword

What does Tel. do now? (2)

1 He asserts his authority 2 and sends Pen to her room

Who gives Eumaeus the courage to bring the bow to Od?

Telemachus

What does Tel. tell Eurycleia to do?

1 Lock the door of the women's quarters 2 ignore cries from the men's quarters

What does Od do with the bow?

Twists it in his hands

Why does Od. twist the bow?

To check for worms

What is the response of the Suitors?

They laugh at Od.

How does Od string the bow?

Like a bard stringing a lyre

What does the string sound like when Od plucks it?

Like a swallow

What is special about a swallow?

birds which return to their former nest

What happens when Od strings the bow?

There is a thunderclap from Zeus