How many suitors were killed in the Odyssey?

As an expert in classical literature, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the number of suitors killed in Homer's epic poem, the "Odyssey." This question touches upon a pivotal moment in the narrative when Odysseus, the protagonist, returns home after a long absence filled with trials and tribulations. Upon his return, disguised as a beggar by Athena, he embarks on a mission to reclaim his throne and his wife, Penelope, from the suitors who have been vying for her hand in marriage during his absence.
The "Odyssey" is renowned for its rich storytelling and complex narrative structure, and the suitors' demise is a central event that signifies the restoration of order and justice. The suitors, in their arrogance and greed, have overstepped their bounds by attempting to usurp the throne and marry Penelope without regard for Odysseus' potential return. Their actions serve as a catalyst for the poem's climax, where justice is meted out in a most dramatic fashion.
The initial information provided regarding the number of suitors from various regions is indeed a part of the epic's narrative. However, the question of how many suitors were killed is a specific one that requires a detailed examination of the text. Homer does not provide an exact number of suitors killed in a single passage; instead, the count is derived from the cumulative descriptions of the various scenes where the suitors meet their end.
In Book 22 of the "Odyssey," the infamous "necklace of deaths" scene, Odysseus strings his bow and begins to kill the suitors one by one. He is aided by his son Telemachus, his loyal swineherd Eumaeus, and his cowherd Philoetius. The suitors are described as being killed in groups and individually as they realize the gravity of their situation and attempt to flee or surrender, to no avail.
The exact count of the suitors killed can be a matter of interpretation, as the text does not offer a straightforward enumeration. However, based on the descriptions provided in the poem, it is possible to infer that a significant number of the 108 suitors mentioned are indeed killed. The precise number may vary depending on how one interprets the narrative, but it is clear that the majority of the suitors do not survive the encounter with Odysseus.
The suitors' deaths are not just a physical extermination but also symbolic of the broader themes of the poem, such as the restoration of a just order, the reestablishment of a rightful ruler, and the punishment of those who have transgressed the boundaries of hospitality and respect for a married woman. The suitors' hubris and their disregard for the sanctity of marriage and the potential return of a great hero lead to their downfall, and their deaths serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of such transgressions.
In conclusion, while the "Odyssey" does not provide a precise number of suitors killed, it is evident that Odysseus' vengeance is thorough and that the suitors, as a group, are largely eradicated. The event is a testament to Odysseus' cunning, strength, and the importance of maintaining social order and respecting the bonds of marriage and hospitality. The suitors' demise is a pivotal moment in the epic, marking the triumph of justice and the reassertion of Odysseus' rightful place as king.

Once Odysseus returns home (whom Athena initially disguises as a beggar so he can plot his revenge in secret), his son Telemachus tells him that there are 108 suitors: 52 from Dulichium, 24 from Same, 20 Achaeans from Zacynthus, and 12 from Ithaca.