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In this book Odysseus finally reveals himself to his most trusted allies and asks to take part in the contest. The suitors are shamed while Odysseus is holds the very weapon with which he will kill them.
Athena inspires Penelope to retrieve Odysseus’ fine bronze axes from a hidden storeroom, as well as the bow and quiver full of arrows which will be used to test the suitors. We are told that the bow was a gift from Iphitus, who became a close friend of Odysseus for a short time. As a young man Odysseus had been sent to Messene to seek reparations for flocks that had been stolen by the Messenians. Iphitus had gone to Messene at the same time for the same purpose: his stock had also been stolen. This flashback describes how Iphitus was killed by Heracles not long after forming a friendship with Odysseus. Heracles killed him even though he accepted him as a guest, thereby breaking the sacred rules of xenia, the hospitality one owes to guests. Iphitus had given Odysseus the bow as a token of their friendship and Odysseus had in turn given Iphitus a sword and spear. The bow had special significance for Odysseus due to this friendship, and so he never took it abroad on campaigns. He only used it to hunt at home.
Penelope retrieves the bow and arrows and her serving women carry out the twelve axes from the storeroom. She presents them to the suitors and explains that any suitor who can string Odysseus’ bow and shoot an arrow through the twelve axe heads lined up in a row will win her as his bride.
Eumaeus breaks into tears when he witnesses this. Antinous becomes irritated by this show of emotion. He instructs that the bow is to be left with himself and the other suitors. He knows what a difficult task Penelope has set. He intends to be the man to pass the test, but our narrator foreshadows that Antinous will be the first man shot by Odysseus with the bow.
Meanwhile, Telemachus is laughing foolishly at the presumption that any of the suitors might succeed. He encourages the suitors to begin the competition, and even boasts that he thinks he could succeed in the task. Telemachus sets up the axes and then tries to string the bow, himself. He fails three times, but on a fourth try when it looks like he will succeed Odysseus shakes his head to discourage him.
The first suitor to attempt the task is Leodes, a seer who is not sympathetic with the reckless ways of his companions. He realises he cannot string the bow and accepts that he should move on and take another woman as wife, instead, rather than continue to pursue Penelope. He advises the other suitors do the same. Antinous responds angrily at this advice and mocks Leodes for his weakness. But rather than attempt the task himself, Antinous suggests they first soften the wood of the bow with fire and an application of lard. They do this but the suitors still fail to string the bow.
Odysseus reveals himself
Meanwhile, Philoetius the cowherd and Eumaeus the swineherd have slipped out of the hall. Odysseus joins them outside. He asks them how far they would go to support Odysseus if he should magically to appear before them. They vow that they would stand by him. So, Odysseus reveals himself to them and offers proof of his identity by showing the scare that allowed Eurycleia to identify him earlier. There is an emotional reunion between the men but Odysseus encourages the two men to take control of their emotions in case they are seen together by the suitors. He asks them to re-enter the hall, but not together, and instructs Eumaeus to offer him the bow when the suitors object to him having it. Once he has it they are then to tell the serving women to lock themselves in their rooms so that they do not witness the slaughter. Philoetius is to lock the courtyard gate so that no suitors escape.
Inside the hall Eurymachus tries to soften the wood of the bow, but fails to draw the bow, even so. He feels shame that neither he nor any of the men are a match for the strength of Odysseus.
Eupithes points out that this day is a feast day for Apollo and suggests that they leave their attempts to string the bow for the following day, when they can come to the problem afresh after making offerings to the gods. The suitors agree to this plan. They drink libations to the gods, and when they are finished Odysseus also supports the idea of resting until the next day. Meanwhile, he jokingly suggests, they should let him try, just to amuse them.
But Antinous is not amused by this suggestion. He abuses Odysseus and accuses him of being drunk. He secretly fears what will happen if this beggar succeeds. He tells a story of a Centaur, Eurytion, who became drunk in his prince’s house. He was driven away after his nose and ears were hacked off. This is meant to frighten Odysseus. Antinous warns that if Odysseus manages to string the bow he will be sent to the merciless King Echetus on the mainland (this is the second time this threat has been made). Penelope upbraids Antinous for thinking that this beggar has any ambition to marry her if he succeeds. But Polybus points out that the real concern is the loss of reputation they will suffer if they cannot string the bow but a beggar can. Penelope responds by asking how they can expect any fame when they impose themselves on the hospitality of another man’s house. Now Penelope demands Odysseus be given the bow, and says that if he succeeds, he will be rewarded with new clothes, a lance and sword.
But Telemachus now interjects to assert his authority as man of the house. He reminds Penelope that the right to give the bow or withhold it is his. He orders his mother and her women to return to their quarters. He is in charge. Penelope obeys and begins crying in her room until Athena sends her to sleep.
Now Eumaeus moves to offer Odysseus the bow. The suitors are incensed at this and Eumaeus is so intimidated that he sets the bow down. But Telemachus urges Eumaeus to give Odysseus the bow, while again saying that he would force the suitors out himself if he only had the physical edge over them.
Eumaeus places the bow into Odysseus’ hands. At this moment Telemachus warns Euycleia to take her women to their rooms so they do not witness the carnage. Philoetius leaves to lock the gates of the courtyard as he has been instructed to do by Odysseus.
Odysseus checks that the bow is still in good physical condition. The suitors watch him carefully, torn between suspicion and an impulse to mock him. But Odysseus easily strings the bow and the suitors are horrified. Zeus marks the moment with a bolt of lightning in the sky. Then Odysseus nocks an arrow and makes the shot through the twelve axe heads with his first attempt. Then, still in character as the beggar, Odysseus says to Telemachus that he has not disgraced him, and calls for the suitors to be served supper even though it is daytime, and that they be treated to song and dance.
Even so, he gives Telemachus a look of warning and Telemachus grips his weapons as he takes his place next to Odysseus’ chair.