Book XXI · Episode 1 of 6

Penelope’s Contest

Contest set, Telemachus nearly wins

Scenes

1. Penelope Fetches the Bow — Athena prompts tearful Penelope
   • Contest will settle her fate
   • Climbs to storeroom, unlocks with brass key
   • Lifts bow and quiver from their case
   • Weeps recalling the husband who left
   • Composes herself, carries bow to hall
2. The Contest Announced — Winner of the bow contest weds Penelope
   • Penelope stands veiled before the suitors
   • Arrow must pass through twelve rings
   • She dreads leaving the home she loves
   • Eumaeus ordered to bring bow and rings
   • Herdsmen weep handling their master’s weapon
3. Antinoüs Rebukes the Herdsmen — Antinoüs scolds weeping herdsmen
   • Tells them to feast quietly or leave
   • Doubts any man here can bend it
   • Recalls Odysseus only dimly from childhood
   • Secretly confident he can thread every ring
4. Telemachus’s Attempt — Telemachus tries bow, yields to father
   • Laughs nervously at his mother’s announcement
   • Hopes to win and keep her home
   • Digs a trench, sets rings in line
   • Strains three times without success
   • Father’s secret nod stops his fourth try