What happens when Odysseus shoots the arrow through the AXE handles?

What happens when Odysseus shoots the arrow through the AXE handles?

Penelope, still ignorant of the beggar’s identity, began to cry. She went to the suitors and told them that whoever could string Odysseus’s bow and shoot an arrow through 12 axe-handles would marry her. Odysseus then took it, strung it, lined up twelve axe-handles and shot an arrow through all twelve.

What does Odysseus shoot his arrow through?

Before the suitors realize what is happening, Odysseus shoots a second arrow through the throat of Antinous. The suitors are confused and believe this shooting to be an accident. Odysseus finally reveals himself, and the suitors become terrified.

What does it mean to shoot an arrow through an AXE head?

In the Odyssey, Odysseus has to prove himself by shooting an arrow through the holes of twelve axe heads. How outstanding a feat was that seen as being, contemporarily? i.e., was it seen as: Something trained warriors but not bored nobles could do. Achievable, but Olympic ability.

Why did Odysseus kill the suitors?

Why does Odysseus kill the suitors? Odysseus wants revenge on the suitors. They have wasted a lot of his wealth, by living at his expense during his absence. More importantly, by taking advantage of his absence, the suitors have insulted Odysseus and damaged his reputation.

Why does Penelope put the suitors through the contest of the bow?

Penelope’s choice of contest — one that only Odysseus could win — supports the suspicion that she is aware of the beggar/Odysseus’s real identity. When the beggar/Odysseus asks for an unofficial chance at the bow, Penelope immediately counters Antinous’ objection.

Who was the first wooer killed?

Who was the first wooer killed? Antinous.

Does Odysseus kill his wife?

When Odysseus discovered the unfaithfulness of his wife, some say that Odysseus killed Penelope, whilst others say that Penelope was sent back to the home of her father Icarius. Some writers would tell of Penelope being later seduced by the god Hermes, a relationship that brought forth a man called Pan.

Why did Penelope do the test of the bow?

The test of the bow is Penelope’s test for the suitors. She claims that she will marry the man who can complete this test because he will be much like Odysseus. The man who completes this will be able to string Odysseus’ bow. Then, he will shoot an arrow through twelve ax head handles.

Why did Odysseus shoot an arrow through Antinous throat?

Needless to say, Odysseus easily strings it and sends the first arrow he grabs whistling through all twelve axes. Before the suitors realize what is happening, Odysseus shoots a second arrow through the throat of Antinous. The suitors are confused and believe this shooting to be an accident.

How did eumæus take the bow of Odysseus?

As she spoke Telemachus took the twelve axes and set them upright in an even line, so that one could shoot an arrow through the hole that was in the back of each axe-head. Then Eumæus, the old swineherd, took the bow of Odysseus, and laid it before the wooers.

What did Telemachus do to Odysseus in the Odyssey?

Telemachus takes control and orders Eumaeus to give Odysseus the bow. Needless to say, Odysseus easily strings it and sends the first arrow he grabs whistling through all twelve axes.

Who was the swineherd who took the bow of Odysseus?

As she spoke Telemachus took the twelve axes and set them upright in an even line, so that one could shoot an arrow through the hole that was in the back of each axe-head. Then Eumæus, the old swineherd, took the bow of Odysseus, and laid it before the wooers. One of the wooers took up the bow and tried to bend it.