The test!

To determine which suitor she is to marry, Penelope has created a challenging test.  Each of the many eager suitors must string Odysseus' greatly oversized bow. Then they are required to shoot the stringed bow through one dozen iron ax handles with out touching any of the handles. Only Odysseus is capable of either of these challenging feats.  The first man steps up and can barely move the bow enough to even attempt stringing it, let alone shoot it through one dozen ax handles! Many more men attempt to finish Penelope's test, but all fail.  Odysseus than asks if he may be worthy of trying to complete the challenge.  Penelope approves, meaning, she thinks this beggar is worthy of being marred to her.  Odysseus sits down with his bow, effortlessly strings it, and all while still seated, expertly shoots the bow through all one dozen iron ax handles. Perfectly.