there are actually a few scholars that theorise the last chapter of the odyssey was not written by homer, due to the rush to tie up as many ends as possible, despite book 23 and his reunion to Penelope being the best place to end the book thematically(also supposed stylistic variations in the greek which I can neither confirm nor reject) and because most epic poetry ends on a cliff-hanger (Aeneas and turnus, hector's funeral etc.) - but it is an interesting ending nonetheless!
there are actually a few scholars that theorise the last chapter of the odyssey was not written by homer, due to the rush to tie up as many ends as possible, despite book 23 and his reunion to Penelope being the best place to end the book thematically(also supposed stylistic variations in the greek which I can neither confirm nor reject) and because most epic poetry ends on a cliff-hanger (Aeneas and turnus, hector's funeral etc.) - but it is an interesting ending nonetheless!
Thank you for this information; that’s really interesting! It does have a very ‘tacked on’ feel at the end.
You've given me a new appreciation for the Odyssey's ending.
Thank you! I'm excited to hear that.