Book XXIV of twenty-four · The Bow and the Blood
Odysseus reunites with Laertes, quells kin
In Hades, the suitors’ souls recount their deaths to Achilles and Agamemnon, who praises Penelope’s fidelity. Odysseus tests and then reveals himself to his father Laertes, and the family reunites over a feast. When the suitors’ kinsmen, led by grieving Eupeithes, march to avenge their dead, Laertes kills Eupeithes and Athena, guided by Zeus, halts the battle and establishes a lasting peace.
Argument, 1871 The souls of the suitors conducted to Hades by Hermes —Agamemnon and Achilles in Hades —Their meeting with the souls of the suitors, and narrative of Amphimedon —Meeting and mutual recognition of Odysseus and his father in the orchard at Ithaca —Insurrection of the Ithacans, with Eupeithes, the father of Antinous, at their head —The revolt quelled, Eupeithes slain by Laertes and a lasting peace made between Odysseus and his subject.