Meanwhile, in the hall, Antinous and Eurymachus attempt to string the bow. Neither succeed at this task. They are now scared for their reputation, for they are unable to complete what was thought to be a simple request. This means they can't take Penelope's hand in marriage.
"Curse this day. What gloom I feel, not for myself alone, and not only because we lose that bride. Women are not lacking in Achaea, in other towns, or on Ithaca. No, the worst is humiliation-to be shown up for children measured against Odysseus-we who cannot even hitch the string over his bow."
Csúszik: 2
Odysseus now makes his presence known, and asks to try to string the bow. He is given a chance, except he is mocked by the other suitors. Nonetheless, he strung the bow if one swift motion and the arrow glides through the air, grazing not one axe socket ring. The gods were on his side, assisting him in this task by showing their support with a bolt of lightning
"A bow lover!"
Csúszik: 3
"I did not miss, neither did I take all day stringing the bow. My hand and eye are sound, not so contemptible as the young men say. The hour has come to cook their lordships' mutton-supper by daylight."
At the end of this book, Odysseus and his son Telemachus stand together facing the throng of suitors, their enemies waiting for what is to come.