The Odyssey by Homer | Book 21 Summary and Analysis

[0:08]In book 21, Penelope brings out Odysseus's mighty bow and arrow. Finally, the contest has begun. The suitors are expected to try to shoot an arrow through the handles of 12 overturned axes. First, they have to string the bow. Telemachus begins. He tries and comes close three times. But finally, Odysseus, still in disguise as a beggar, quietly shakes his head, no, to signal his son to stop. The important symbol here is not just that Telemachus and Odysseus are plotting together underneath the surface where the suitors can't see. But that Telemachus is inheriting his father's strength. He's close. The suitors each take turns, all of them failing miserably. And Antinous, the cowardly, dastardly, no good, bad guy that he is, tells them that they should postpone the contest and try again later. Odysseus reveals himself to Eumaeus, and a trusty servant, Philoetius, and he lets them in on his plan for revenge. The two agree to help him out. All of the suitors have failed the test at this point. And Odysseus asks, can I have a turn? He strings the bow with ease and fires an arrow right through all 12 axe handles. This is the first time we end with a major cliffhanger. Odysseus and Telemachus turn to face the suitors together and draw their weapons. Book 21 marks the end of the rising action and the beginning of the exciting climax, the battle between the suitors and Odysseus and Telemachus. This is where all the symbols are finally revealed, the omens come true, and the foreshadowing comes to a head with action and reality. It also reinforces Odysseus's superhuman strength, and how far he's come in tempering himself to make it to this point.