Odyssey Book 24

Hermes accompanies the souls of the dead suitors to Hades, the Land of the Dead. One tortured soul even recites the tale of Ulysses' revenge. 

Ulysses finds his father, Laertes, and with Telemachus, Eumaeus and Philoetius, they share a feast to celebrate Ulysses' return. 

By now, the news of the slaughter has become common knowledge. The father of Antinous declares retribution and gathers an army of men bent on revenge. They go to Laertes' farm, and a battle ensues. However, Athena intervenes, and major bloodshed is avoided. Peace will now prevail. 

Analysis

Final closure is reached in this book (chapter). Ulysses had learned long ago (while speaking with his mother's spirit in the Land of the Dead) that his father had suffered greatly because of his absence, so reuniting with him brings an end to his father's sadness. 

With the description of events in Hades, we even find closure for Agamemnon, who was killed by his wife. He finds Penelope to be a far superior wife, as evidenced by her loyalty, fidelity, and deep love for Ulysses. 

The impending threat of retribution from dead suitors' families is also resolved here. The battle breaks out, but due to swift victory, mostly due to the intervention of Athena, there is little bloodshed and none on the side of Ulysses' people. The matter is resolved, never to be addressed again. 

This wraps up the tale very nicely, with the noble and worthy king of Ithaca restored to his throne, with his wife and son at his side. All foes have been vanquished, and the future appears to hold only peace, prosperity, and happiness.