As a scholar of classical literature, I have a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and the epic tales that have been passed down through the ages. The story of Odysseus, the hero of Homer's "Odyssey," is one such narrative that has captivated audiences for centuries. It is a tale of adventure, cunning, and the enduring human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. However, the question of who killed Odysseus is a complex one, as it delves into the later stages of his life, which are not part of the original "Odyssey" but are detailed in other ancient texts. According to the epic poem "Odyssey," Odysseus does not meet his end within its narrative. The poem concludes with Odysseus having returned home to Ithaca after a long and arduous journey, reclaiming his throne, and avenging the suitors who had sought his wife Penelope's hand in marriage during his absence. The text leaves his fate unresolved, suggesting a continuation of his life and reign. However, the question implies a knowledge of later accounts, which are not universally accepted as canonical. In some later Greek literature, specifically the "Telegony" (also known as the "Epigoni"), attributed to Cinaethon or Eugammon of Cyrene, it is suggested that Odysseus is killed by his own grandson, Telegonus. This work is considered a sequel to the "Odyssey" and is part of the Epic Cycle, a series of epic poems that together form a complete narrative of the Trojan War and its aftermath. In the "Telegony," Telegonus, the son of Odysseus and the nymph Circe, is unaware of his true parentage. He sets out to find his father, but in a tragic twist of fate, he mistakenly kills Odysseus during a confrontation. Upon recognizing his grandfather, Telegonus is filled with remorse. The narrative then describes how he brings the body of Odysseus back to the island of Aeaea, where Circe resides. There, it is said that Circe makes Telegonus, Penelope, and Telemachus (Odysseus' son) immortal, thus continuing the lineage of heroes in a manner befitting their divine connections. It is important to note that the "Telegony" is a fragmentary work, with only a few summaries and quotations surviving. Its authenticity and the details of its narrative have been a subject of debate among scholars. Some argue that it is a later addition to the mythological corpus and not a work of the same authorship as the "Odyssey." As such, the story of Odysseus' death at the hands of Telegonus is not universally accepted as part of the original myth. In conclusion, while the "Odyssey" does not detail the death of Odysseus, later accounts, such as the "Telegony," suggest that he was killed by his own grandson, Telegonus, in a tragic accident. However, given the disputed nature of these later texts, the question of who killed Odysseus remains open to interpretation and is subject to the various retellings and expansions of the myth throughout history. read more >>

As Odysseus lies dying, he and Telegonus recognise one another, and Telegonus laments his mistake. Telegonus brings his father's corpse, Penelope, and Odysseus' other son Telemachus, back to Aeaea, where Odysseus is buried and Circe makes the others immortal. Telegonus marries Penelope, and Telemachus marries Circe.read more >>