What challenge does Penelope create for the suitors? Whoever could string Odysseus' bow and fire an arrow through twelve axe handles would be able to marry her. ... Penelope asks Odysseus if he will arrange to have his bed moved out of their bedroom while she gets used to him being home.
she has them try to string odysseus' bow knowing that only himself can do it. Then if they could string the bow, she tells them to shoot the arrow cleanly through 12 axe handles.
