Friends,
We are finally here! The end of the Odyssey. We have the slaughter of the suitors, the great-rooted bed, and a roundtable discussion on Book Twenty-Four. We are also joined by excellent guests, like Dcn. Adam Conque, Dr. Adam Cooper of Wyoming Catholic College, and Mrs. Rachel Greb who did a great job subbing last minute for Jeremy Tate, President of the Classic Learning Test. We also have a bonus episode with President Kyle Washut, now Fr. Dcn. Washut, on the Odyssey as a restoration of culture, channeling John Senior.
A few resources from our Ascend Book Club:
Articles, podcasts, videos, and more to help you read the Odyssey. You can also listen to these books on the podcast. Be sure to consult our 115 Question and Answer Guide to the Odyssey to explore all Homer has to offer you.
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The Restoration: Books 21-24
Socrates tells us that the Odyssey is a tale about justice. In these final books, we see the slaughter of the suitors and the reunion with Penelope—and these lead to a restoration of Ithaca overall. Many question, however, whether the slaughter of the suitors is just—and the end of the Odyssey leaves much to be desired. Also, keep in mind that Ithaca has now lost two generations under King Odysseus—the men who went to Troy and now the suitors. Do you find Odysseus to be a hero? Do you find Odysseus to be just?
Remember that Homer teaches in a poetic dialectic. He offers you images in tension to teach you a perennial truth.
Bonus: The Odyssey as the Restoration of Culture
Ascend was happy to host President Washut, now Fr. Dcn. Washut, for a great conversation on the Odyssey as an image of restoration, drawing especially from John Senior.
Great work! You’ve read the Odyssey. You’ve sat before one of the greatest teacher in the Western tradition, Homer. Where do you go next? Well, you could join us for a conversation on Hesiod’s Theogony, the Greek plays, like Aeschylus’ Oresteia, or read the Odyssey with us again in our new 2026 12-episode study.
You’re doing great! Keep up the good work.
Dcn. Harrison Garlick lives in rural Oklahoma with his wife and five children. He serves as a deacon at Holy Family Cathedral and as Chancellor & General Counsel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. Follow him on X at Dcn. Garlick or Ascend.