Scholars have long pondered the details of the contest itself, the most debatable point being what shooting an arrow through a dozen axes actually means. Of course, the beggar would not claim her for his bride Odysseus would not have to. Dismissing the idea that the guest would claim her as his bride, she responds that by giving the wandering stranger a shot she is simply being hospitable. When the beggar/Odysseus asks for an unofficial chance at the bow, Penelope immediately counters Antinous' objection. 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. Odysseus easily strings the weapon and fires an arrow straight through the axes then he and Telemachus stand together to face the suitors. Antinous suggests that the contest be postponed until the next day, but then Odysseus asks if he might give the bow a try, an idea that Penelope strongly supports. Meanwhile, the suitors continue to struggle with the bow. As the suitors contend, Odysseus meets outside with Eumaeus and Philoetius, his faithful servants and reveals to them his true identity and enlists their support in his plan. The suitors then take their turns, their early efforts failing dismally. He is about to succeed on his fourth try when Odysseus privately signals him to back off. For sport, Telemachus attempts to string the bow and fails three times. Penelope announces the contest and retrieves Odysseus' great backsprung bow from a secret storeroom deep in the palace.
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