Book XXI · Episode 5 of 6
The Bow Reaches Odysseus
Penelope dismissed, bow reaches Odysseus
Scenes
- Telemachus Sends Her Away — Telemachus claims bow, sends Penelope
- Claims no one in Ithaca outranks him
- Tells her to tend loom and distaff
- Says bow matters belong to men
- Astonished, she obeys without argument
- Athena lulls her weeping into sleep
- The Bow Passed Amid Taunts — Suitors jeer as Eumaeus delivers bow
- One threatens dogs will tear him apart
- Frightened, Eumaeus sets the bow down
- Telemachus threatens to pelt him with stones
- Wishes he could drive out the suitors
- Suitors laugh, their anger cools
- The Doors Are Secured — Doors secured, Odysseus checks bow
- Eurycleia told to bar the hall’s doors
- Women must stay in despite any noise
- Philoetius secures gate with a ship’s cable
- Returns to his seat, watching his master
- Checks bow for worm damage from disuse