Odysseus slaying his wife’s suitors. By the Penelope Painter; Classical era, ca. 440 BC. Found in the excavations at Tarquinia. Berlin, Altes Museum. Credit: ArchaiOptixOdysseus’ bow has been famous around the world ever since Homer’s “Odyssey” told the tale of how the returning hero strung it after no suitor who had pursued his wife, Penelope, for twenty years had been able to do so.
Diplomatically fending off the string of rivals who hoped to win her hand in marriage after the apparent death of Odysseus, she was somehow able to stay true to her husband, who was off fighting in Troy and journeying back, meeting with every type of obstacle and difficulty along the way.
After twenty years of being worn down by the repeated entreaties of marriage, Penelope sets up the bow stringing and archery contest, which will involve not just stringing her absent husband’s bow but shooting through a target, as well.
Of course, our hero was terrifically strong, and no other man could match his strength, which Penelope well knew.
Penelope tells the suitors, along with a mysterious beggar who appeared on the scene: “I offer you the mighty bow of Prince Odysseus; and whoever with his hands shall lightliest bend the bow and shoot through all twelve axes, him I will follow.”
