Book 21

• Plot (1)

  1. penelope announces the contest to the suitors + get backstory of bow
  2. contest is whoever string bow and shoots through each axe
  3. telemachus is the first person to attempt + fail
  4. Leodes tried them antinous proposes they grease + lubricants the bow to make it easier to string
• Role of the Gods

  • ”if the powers above me let me overthrow these arrogant suitors”
  • gods have complete control over fate of suitors
• Plot (2)

  1. ofysseus tests slaves to see if they will fight for him
  2. he reveals his indeity to slaves and they set plan into motion; eumaues gets bow to Odysseus, warns women and philoteus bars the gate
  3. Beggar asks suitors to string bow in which they are durious
  4. penelope defends beggar and telemachus dismisses her
  5. odysseus successfully strings bow and reassures suitors so he can ambush them
• Role of the Gods

  • ”came a thunderclap from zeus” which is a ”sign of favour from the Som of Cronos of devious ways”
  • divine support ensures Odysseus victory