Book XXI · Episode 6 of 6

The Winning Shot

Odysseus shoots twelve rings clean

Scenes

1. Suitors Mock the Beggar — Suitors sneer he handles it like a thief
   • Two suitors trade insults over the bow
   • Sneers he must own a bow himself
   • Wishes him luck, certain he’ll fail
2. Odysseus Strings and Shoots — Odysseus easily strings, shoots rings
   • Bends it like a harper’s cord
   • String sings out like a swallow’s cry
   • Suitors blanch, Zeus sends thunder as omen
   • Says the stranger hasn’t shamed him
   • Telemachus arms himself beside his father