The epithet "the man skilled in all ways of contending" first appears in Book 1, and then it appears again in Book 21. This is applied to Odysseus in order to highlight his talent and skill. However, as the text progresses, the epithet gains more meaning. This is because, as we follow Odysseus journey, we are able to see that he is indeed extremely talented at fighting. Moreover, in Book 21, his ability is particularly important, as he is about to recover his most valued prize: his wife Penelope.