The Great Bow (Book 21)

Odysseus’ bow was a gift from his friend Iphitus who was killed by Heracles. Penelope grabs the Bow and arrows and took them to the hall crying (pathos/pitifully), she tells them that whoever can string the bow and shoot through 12 axes can marry her. Antinous mocks Eumaeus and Philoetius for crying about Odysseus, then talks about how hard it will be to string the bow. Telemachus tries 3 times before, on his 4th try he nearly does it but Odysseus shakes his head. Leodes then tries but he’s too weak. Antinous mocks Leodes weak strength and asks Melanthius to get some tallow to rub on the bow. Odysseus finds Eumaeus and Philoetius, asks them how they would react if Odysseus is here, once they say they pray to Zeus for his return Odysseus reveals himself and tells them to lock the doors when he tries to string the bow. Eurymachus tries to string the bow and fails, Antinous to lighten the mood says they should drink some wine. Odysseus then tells the suitors he’s going to try string the bow, Antinous says he can’t. Penelope comes and shames Antinous and Eurymachus, saying that Odysseus can ofcourse try. Telemachus sends Penelope away. Eumaeus brings the bow to Odysseus. Odysseus easily strings the bow, plucks the string. Zeus sends a thunderbolt in approval, Odysseus shoots the arrow, it goes through all 12 arrows. Odysseus speaks to Telemachus, and so Telemachus grabs his spear and get beside Odysseus ready for battle.