CONTEST FOR PENELOPE'S HAND

"... they still retained the ancient custom of having contests to see who should marry a nobly born woman
who was--so to speak-- on the block. The man who
won the contest got the woman and the wedding."
- Penelope's husband was chosen through this contest, which she had no control over.
- The person who won would obtain wealth from
the noble family.
- Odysseus was the victorious winner of the race.