⚔️ The Trial of Odysseus

"One Arrow. Twelve Axes."

Inspired by one of the most iconic scenes from Homer's Odyssey, this pen holder pays tribute to the legendary challenge that allowed Odysseus to reveal his true identity.

After twenty years away from Ithaca, Odysseus finally returns home to find his palace occupied by Penelope's suitors. To determine who is worthy of becoming king, a final challenge is held: string Odysseus' mighty bow and shoot an arrow through the aligned openings of twelve axe heads. Only Odysseus is able to accomplish this extraordinary feat.

I wanted to recreate this legendary moment as a functional desk accessory.

The base represents an ancient stone block from the Palace of Ithaca. Twelve pens, each fitted with a ceremonial Labrys axe attached to the end of the pen, recreate the famous alignment of the twelve axes. A thirteenth slot allows you to add one more pen, symbolically representing Odysseus' arrow and completing the scene.

Engraved across the front of the base, on a single line, is the ancient Greek inscription:

Η ΔΟΚΙΜΑΣΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΩΣ

which translates to:

"The Trial of Odysseus."

This inscription adds an authentic Greek touch while paying tribute to the original epic.

Compatibility

This model is designed for the Bic Cristal Original, which has a barrel diameter of 8.1 mm.

The decorative axes do not replace the pen cap. Instead, they simply attach to the opposite end of the pen, allowing the pen to remain fully functional.

If you use a different pen or pencil, simply scale the axe (or adjust only its inner diameter) to achieve a perfect fit.

Pen / PencilDiameterScale to ApplyBic Cristal Original8.1 mm100%

Bic Round Stic 8.3 mm 102.5%

Sakura Ballsign 8.6 mm 106%

Rotring 600 Ballpoint 9.2 mm 113.5%

Leuchtturm Drehgriffel 9.3 mm 115%

Slim Ballpoint Pen 7.5 mm 92.5%

Standard Ballpoint Pen 8.0 mm 99%

Fineliner (Stabilo Point 88 type) 7.7 mm 95%

Fine Marker (Sharpie type) 11.0 mm 136%

Standard Wooden Pencil (HB) 7.7 mm 95%

Standard Colored Pencil 7.3 mm 90%

Carpenter's Pencil≈11 × 6 mmCustom adaptation required

💡 Tip: If your pen isn't listed above, simply use the following formula:

Scale (%) = (Your pen diameter ÷ 8.1) × 100

For example:

• 9.0 mm pen → 111%
• 7.5 mm pen → 93%
• 10.0 mm pen → 123%

Enjoy printing... and may your aim always be true through the twelve axes!