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The bow itself is interesting due to the tightness of its strings. According to Homer, Odysseus was a very famous and apt bowman. He had his bow gauged up so that the strings were very tight, allowing him to shoot his arrows into greater distances.

In literary sense, he bow is a symbol of kingship and strength. In Homer's Odyssey; Queen Penelope of Ithaca -who does not want to marry anyone in the ten years of Odysseus' absence- accepts to marry a new man under the condition that they manage to string Odysseus' bow. Whoever strings it is worthy of King Odysseus and can rightfully take the throne. Physical strength was an important quality to the ancient Greeks, not only in warfare, but because psychologically it was tied to political strength and the iron will needed to govern a people who were given to argument and debate.

Not surprisingly, none of the suitors even comes close to succeeding, showing their weakness and folly in vying for Penelope's hand.

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Related Questions

Who gave Odysseus his bow?

Odysseus killed the suitors with the bow that Iphitusonce had given him. He had inherited it from his father Eurytus of Oechalia, who in turn had received it from Apollo. This bow Odysseus, when going to war, would never take with him, but let it lay at home.During the contest to string the bow, the swineherd Eumaeus brings Odysseus his bow, after prompting from Odysseus, then Penelope, then Telemachus.


Who strung Odysseus' bow?

Only Odysseus could string his mighty bow. Telemachus would have strung the bow on his fourth try, but was stopped by Odysseus. The bow originally belonged to Iphitus of Lacedaemon, son of Eurytus. Eurytus was originally given the bow by Apollo.


What did the gods do when Odysseus strung the bow?

When Odysseus has strung the bow, Zeus/Jove thunders loudly as a sign.


Which statement best summarizes Odysseus actions during the bow contest?

odysseus checks the bow,strings it, and shoots it


Who did Odysseus shoot?

Odysseus shot the suitors with his bow and arrows.


What is so special about Odysseus' bow?

Odysseus' bow was given to him by his friend Iphitus. The trade they made firmed their friendship.


What does Odysseus's bow symbolize?

Strength


Who succeeds in the stringing of the bow?

Odysseus


What does Odysseus bow symbol?

Strength


What weapon does Odysseus use to kill antinous?

Odysseus uses his large bow and an arrow to kill Antinous. The bow was given to Odysseus from Iphitus, who received it from his father Eurtyus, who received it from his grandfather Apollo.


When Odysseus first got the bow what did he do?

he exmined it


Did Odysseus have a weapon?

Yes, a sword and a bow