Summary

Penelope now sets up the axes and explains the test to the suitors. They must first string Odysseus’ great bow and shoot an arrow through all twelve axes. Telemachus insists on trying first, and he almost succeeds. But, at a sign from his father he stops trying. Many suitors attempt the task but are not even strong enough to string the bow.

Meanwhile, Odysseus begins to sound out faithful servants. He asks for Philoetius and Eumaeus’ help, and shows them the scar to prove that he is really Odysseus. They are overjoyed. He tells Eumaeus to be ready to bring the bow to him at his sign and for Philoetius to bar the doors so that the suitors will be trapped inside. They return to the great hall.

The suitors have now...