Final answer:
Penelope challenges the suitors to string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axes, a task only her true husband could accomplish, leading to his return and the suitors' defeat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The challenge Penelope offers to the suitors in Homer's epic poem The Odyssey is often interpreted as a contest of skill and strength that only her long-lost husband, Odysseus, could win. Penelope declares that she will marry the man who can string Odysseus's great bow and shoot an arrow through a row of twelve axes. This challenge is symbolic of her faithfulness and wit, as it serves both to deter the suitors, who are unable to complete the task, and to buy time in the hopes of Odysseus's return. Ultimately, the challenge leads to the climactic moment when Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, successfully strings the bow and wins the contest, securing his rightful place and dealing with the suitors.