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 at the house of Ortilochus at a dinner.

  2 They were both guests but had exchanged gifts with one another. Iphitus gave the bow and Odysseus gave a sharp sword and a strong spear.
• What was Iphitus doing in Messene? (2)

  Looking for a dozen mares (lady horses) and 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)

  He had come to collect a public debt for 300 sheep and their shepherds stolen from Ithaca by some Messenians
• Where is the bow kept?

  In a storeroom
• What does Penelope need to open the store room? (3)

  A key 2 with an ivory handle which she picks up with a 'strong hand'.
• What noise does the door of the store room make?

  That of a bull
• What does Penelope do when she takes the bow? (2)

  she puts it on her lap and then weeps torrents (about her husband)
• How does Penelope address the Suitors? (2)

  She wears a veil to mask her emotion on and by a massive pillar flanked by a faithful maid on each side - projecting strength and resolve.
• What do Eumaeus and Philoetius do on seeing the bow?

  Weep
• What does Antinous call Eumaeus and Philoetius when they weep for Odysseus?

  '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 Telemachus?

  Admiration for the neat and accurate way he had dug the trench for the axe heads
• How many times does Telemachus fail to string the bow?

  Three times
• Why does Telemachus not string the bow the fourth time?

  Odysseus stops him with a shake of the head
• Who tries to string the bow first?

  Leodes
• Who is Leodes? (2)

  A priest who disapproves of the Suitors. He is interested in the love of Penelope not wealth or power that comes with Odysseus' estate.
• Why can Leodes not string the bow?

  He has delicate hands (and lacks strength)
• How does Antinous criticise Leodes?

  He resents the idea that just because Leodes cannot string the bow, no-one else will. 'I strongly resent that this bow will break the heart and spirit of many a champion here...in this noble company' (dramatic irony)
• What does Antinous order to happen next? (2)

  1 Tallow should be heated up so the bow should be greased.

  2. The bow should be left to the fire to warm (which should make it more flexible).
• Who carries out Antinous' order?

  Melanthius, the goatherd
• Who does Odysseus meet outside the hall? (2)

  1 Eumaeus (swineherd) 2 Philoetius (cowherd)
• What is the two men's reponse to Odysseus' question?

  They pray for his return (revealing their loyalty).
• What question does Odysseus ask his two servants?


  Whether they would fight for Odysseus if he returned
• What does Odysseus promise the two men? (3)

  1 a wife each

  2 possessions

  3 build them a house near his palace

  4 regard them as Telemachus' friends and brothers
• How does Odysseus confirm his identity?

  He shows them his scar
• What three orders does Odysseus give them?

  1 Eumaeus should give Odysseus the bow

  2 They should keep the women away

  3 Philoetius should lock the courtyard gate
• Who is the second most important suitor?

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

  What people will think about him
• What does Antinous suggest? (2)

  To make a libation to Apollo (archer god) since it is his holiday and sacrifice some goats tomorrow
• What happens when Odysseus asks to have a go at the bow?

  The Suitors are angry. They fear he might string it and show them up. They tell him to be content to dine with his betters.
• What does Antinous suggest about Odysseus?

  That he has been drinking and he is getting above his station.
• What story does Antinous tell about the danger of drink? (3)

  The centaur Eurytion got drunk at the wedding of Hippodameia and tried to rape her
• What happened to Eurytion?

  His ears and nose were cut off for trying to steal the bride
• Who does Antinous threaten to send Odysseus to?

  King Echetus the Destroyer
• Who intervenes to protect Odysseus?

  Penelope; she criticises Antinous for not showing common decency to Telemachus' guest. Does he really think that the beggar would want to bend the bow and carry her home with him as his wife?
• What does Eurymachus worry about?

  What people will think if the beggar strings the bow. His image and reputation would suffer to be shown up like that.