Book 21

• What did Telemachus do when Odysseus shot the arrow through the axes?


  Put on his sword, took up his spear and stood by his father's side
• What test did Penelope give the suitors to complete in order to marry her?

  String Odysseus' bow and shoot an arrow through 12 axe heads
• Why did Antinous tell off Eumaeus and Philoetius?

  They wept when they saw the bow - he said they were upsetting Penelope
• What was the name of Odysseus' loyal swineherd?


  Eumaeus
• What was the name of Odysseus' cowherd?


  Philoetius
• What was the name of Odysseus' goatherd?


  Melanthius
• Who was the leader of the suitors?

  Antinous
• How did Telemachus win the admiration of the suitors?

  He dug a trench and planted the axes neatly in it
• How many goes did Telemachus have at stringing the bow?

  4
• How successful was Telemachus at stringing the bow?

  He might have done it on the fourth attempt if Odysseus hadn't signalled to him to stop
• Which was the first suitor to attempt the bow test?


  Leodes
• Who was Leodes?

  The priest who conducted the suitors' sacrifices
• What did Leodes say after failing to string the bow?

  It would break the heart of many a champion in Ithaca - he did not think anyone would manage it
• What did Antinous do after Leodes failed to string the bow?

  Told Melanthius to fetch tallow and fire to make the bow more flexible
• What rewards did Odysseus offer Eumaeus and Philoetius for their loyalty?

  A house, a wife, possessions and to regard them as Telemachus' brothers
• How did Eumaeus and Philoetius prove their loyalty to Odysseus?

  Wept when they saw the bow, prayed to the gods for his return when he tested them, covered him with kisses when they recognised him, carried out his instructions
• What instructions did Odysseus give Eumaeus?

  Bring him the bow when the suitors refuse to let him have it, tell the women to stay locked in their quarters and to ignore any groans they hear
• What instruction did Odysseus give Philoetius?

  To bolt and bar the courtyard gate
• What was Eurymachus' reaction to failing to string the bow?

  He didn't mind so much about not winning Penelope, but he was upset that his reputation would suffer if he was seen to be inferior to Odysseus
• What put-down did Penelope make to Eurymachus?

  He had already lost his reputation by destroying her household
• How did Antinous put off his turn at stringing the bow?

  Said it was a feast day to Apollo so it wasn't right to be taking part in a competition - they would have a feast and try again the next day
• What reason did 'the beggar' give for wanting to try the bow?

  To see how much strength he had left
• Who did Antinous compare 'the beggar' to when he asked to try the bow?

  Eurytion, the Centaur, who got drunk and tried to rape Pirithous' wife
• What did Penelope say to Antinous about the beggar trying the bow?


  If he succeeded, there was no way he would try to make Penelope his wife
• What did Penelope say she would give the beggar if he succeeded with the bow?

  Cloak, tunic, sandals, spear, sword and a safe passage to wherever he wanted to go
• What did Telemachus say that surprised Penelope?

  He would give the bow to whoever he liked as it was his house; she should go back to her quarters; the bow was men's business
• How did the suitors react when Odysseus inspected the bow?

  They mockingly calling him 'an expert
• What does Homer liken Odysseus to when he strings the bow?

  A minstrel putting a new string on a lyre
• How did the gods respond when Odysseus succeeded in stringing the bow?

  Zeus sent a thunderclap
• What did Odysseus say to Telemachus after he had fired the arrow through the axe heads?

  The stranger had not disgraced him. Now it was time to get the suitors' supper ready.
• Who gift Odysseus the bow?

  
  

  • Iphitus
  • They met and exchange gifts a long time ago
• WHat story do the suitor refer to when mocking Odysseus?

  Eurytion the Centaur was drunk at a wedding feast and tried to assult Perithous new bride