The epic poem, the Odyssey, attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, tells the story of Odysseus, a Greek hero of the Trojan War, and his journey home to Ithaca after the war. The book ends with Odysseus re-establishing himself as the rightful king of Ithaca, reuniting with his wife, Penelope, and restoring order to his kingdom. The final book of the Odyssey, Book 24, is a culmination of Odysseus' long and arduous journey, which spans ten years.
The Reunion and the Restoration of Order
After defeating the suitors who had been vying for Penelope’s hand in marriage, Odysseus reveals his true identity to his wife. However, before he can reunite with her, he must first ensure that the suitors are properly punished for their transgressions. With the help of his son, Telemachus, and the goddess Athena, Odysseus kills the suitors and their followers. Once the suitors are defeated, Odysseus is finally able to reunite with Penelope, who has remained faithful to him throughout his long absence.
The Recognition and the Reunion with Laertes
After reuniting with Penelope, Odysseus visits his father, Laertes, who is overjoyed to see his son after so many years. Laertes, who had given up hope of ever seeing Odysseus again, is amazed by his son’s stories of adventure and bravery. Together, Odysseus and Laertes work to restore order to the kingdom, which had been disrupted by the suitors and their followers. The reunion between Odysseus and Laertes serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family and the bonds that tie them together.
| Character | Role in the Final Book |
|---|---|
| Odysseus | Re-establishes himself as king, reunites with Penelope, and restores order to Ithaca |
| Penelope | Remains faithful to Odysseus, recognizes him after his return, and reunites with him |
| Telemachus | Helps Odysseus defeat the suitors and supports him in his efforts to restore order to the kingdom |
| Laertes | Reunites with Odysseus, is overjoyed to see his son, and helps him restore order to the kingdom |
The ending of the Odyssey also explores the theme of nostos, or the idea of returning home. For Odysseus, returning home is not just a physical journey but also an emotional and psychological one. He must confront his past, reconcile with his family, and re-establish himself as the rightful king of Ithaca. The book ends on a note of hope and renewal, as Odysseus looks to the future and the possibilities that it holds.
The Significance of the Ending
The ending of the Odyssey is significant not only because it provides a sense of closure for the characters but also because it highlights the importance of justice, family, and order in ancient Greek society. The book shows how Odysseus, with the help of the gods, is able to restore balance and harmony to his kingdom, which had been disrupted by the suitors and their followers. The ending also underscores the importance of loyalty and faithfulness, as embodied by Penelope, who remains true to Odysseus despite the many challenges and temptations that she faces.
The Odyssey's ending has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries, with some seeing it as a celebration of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity, while others view it as a commentary on the social and political norms of ancient Greece. Regardless of interpretation, the ending of the Odyssey remains one of the most famous and enduring conclusions in all of literature, continuing to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
What is the main theme of the Odyssey’s ending?
+The main theme of the Odyssey’s ending is the idea of nostos, or the return home, and the importance of perseverance, cunning, and bravery in overcoming adversity. The book also explores the themes of justice, family, order, loyalty, and faithfulness.
How does Odysseus reunite with Penelope?
+Odysseus reunites with Penelope after defeating the suitors and revealing his true identity to her. Penelope, who had remained faithful to Odysseus throughout his long absence, recognizes him and is overjoyed to be reunited with her husband.
What is the significance of the Odyssey’s ending?
+The ending of the Odyssey is significant because it provides a sense of closure for the characters, highlights the importance of justice, family, order, loyalty, and faithfulness, and underscores the human spirit’s ability to endure and ultimately triumph over adversity.
