The Contest of the Bow

The Story

After years of resisting the suitors, Penelope announced a contest.

She brought out the great bow that had belonged to Odysseus.

Her challenge was simple but difficult.

The suitors would have to string the bow and then shoot an arrow through a series of axe heads.

The successful man would become her husband.

One by one, the suitors attempted to use the bow.

None of them could even string it.

Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, asked to try.

The suitors mocked the idea.

Penelope nevertheless allowed him to make the attempt.

Odysseus took the bow and easily strung it.

He then completed the shooting challenge.

The moment revealed that the disguised stranger was not an ordinary beggar.

Odysseus turned the weapon against the suitors.

With Telemachus and his loyal allies beside him, he began the violent destruction of the men who had occupied his household.