Iphitus gave him the bow his father...used to wield as a young man, but when he died in his lofty house he left it to his son

Iphitus gave him the bow his father, mighty Eurytus,
used to wield as a young man, but when he died
in his lofty house he left it to his son.
In turn, Odysseus gave his friend a sharp sword
and a rugged spear to mark the start of friendship,
treasured ties that bind.

– Homer

The Odyssey, Book 21, lines 36-41. We learn about the origins of Odysseus’ fabled bow. He received it as a gift from Iphitus, son of King Eurytus, the instructor of Heracles in archery and who passed the bow to his son on his death. Odysseus in turn presented Iphitus with a sword and spear and a friendship developed between them.

Homer Quotes