Book 21

• What does Penelope take out of the closet?

  Odysseus's bow
• What is Penelope's reaction when she reaches for the bow?

  Tears flow from Penelope eyes.
• What is the contest Penelope proposes?

  Whoever can string Odysseus's bow and then shoot an arrow through a line of twelve axes wins Penelope's hand in marriage
• How many axes must the arrow be shot through?

  12
• Why is this challenge impossible?

  Penelope believes that only Odysseus can string the bow
• What happens when Telemachus attempts the challenge?

  Telemachus can't string the bow
• Do any of the suitors pass the test?

  No
• What happens on Odysseus' first attempt?

  Odysseus succeeds in firing the arrow through all the axes
• Which two characters does Odysseus reveal his identity to?

  Eumaeus and Philoetius
• How does he reveal his identity to Eumaeus and Philoetius?

  By showing the scar on his foot
• What does he promise to do to Eumaeus and Philoetius if they fight alongside him against the suitors?

  To treat them as Telemachus' brothers
• Which God does Antinous propose they sacrifice for?

  Apollo
• What does Antinous say to Odysseus when he asks for the bow?

  The wine has gone to his head
• And who does Antinous compare Odysseus to?

  the legendary drunken centaur Eurytion
• Who orders that the bow be given to Odysseus?

  Telemachus
• Where is the scar on Odysseus's body?

  on his foot
• What has happened to the weapons of the suitors?

  Telemachus removed the suitors weapons from the great hall
• How do the suitors treat the beggar/Odysseus?

  They do not pay attention to him
• How do we know that Zues is on Odysseus' side?

  There is a thunder crack overhead
• What statement does Odysseus make to Telemachus that must be important?

  "Telemachus, your stranger you welcomed in your hall has not disgraced you."
• What does Odysseus mean by "The hour has come ..."


  Yea baby. It's on now. You are in big trouble
• Who is the first suitor Odysseus turns to?

  Antinous, because he has been the meanest of the suitors and their ringleader
• What are the suitors unable to find?

  Their weapons
• What does Odysseus accuse the men of doing?

  He says, "You took my house to plunder."
• What is Odysseus' response to Eurymachus?

  Not for all their gold or all their land will he allow them to escape
• Who does Odysseus order to clean the house when the battle is over?

  Telemachus
• What does Telemachus then do to the women?

  Hangs them in the courtyard
• What does Penelope tell Euryceia to do regarding Odysseus' bed?


  Place it outside the bedchamber he built with his own hands
• Why does Odysseus have this reaction to Penelope's request regarding his bed?

  He is happy to be home
• What does Penelope do when she realizes it really is Odysseus?


  She cries
• What is a brief summary of how Odysseus acquired to bow?

  It was a gift from a friend he made whilst traveling. His friend was killed by Hercules so he keeps it in his honour.
• Who is the first to try to swing the bow? Why does he stop?

  Telemachus- by the third time he nearly shoots but Odysseus looked at him disapprovingly "I suppose I shall always be a coward and a weakling"
• What is Leodes' prophecy about the bow? Why is it ironic?

  "This bow will break the hear and spirit of many champion here" - ironic as Odysseus will use the bow to kill the suitors.
• How does Odysseus test Eumaeus' and Philoteus' loyalty?

  He asks them if they would fight alongside Odysseus if he returned "Hear my prayer may some power lead him home"
• What do the 2 servants do when Odysseus reveals his identity?

  " They flung their arms [...] and showered kisses on his head" Odysseus also promises them gifts, "I'll find you each a wife give you possessions and build your houses"
• What plan do the servants and Odysseus now come up with?

  Eumaeus will give Odysseus the bow whilst Philoteus locks all the gates.
• Does Eurymachus swing the bow? What is Antinous' reaction?

  No "proves us such weaklings compared with godlike Odysseus" Antinous comforts him saying due to the pubic holiday they should sacrifice to the god and feast instead and do the challenge tomorrow "Give archery a rest"
• How do the suitors react to the beggar's request of stringing the bow?

  They laugh at him and rebuke him. Penelope orders them to stop "Do let this spoil anyone's dinner here" Telemachus tells her to leave "The bow's a men's concern and mine most of all"
• Why do the suitors try to Attack Eumaeus and who stops them?

  Because he went to give the bow to the beggar. Telemachus orders them to stop.
• Does Odysseus succeed in the challenge? Which God shows his support?

  Yes- Zeus thunders in the sky to symbolise his approval