After defeating the suitors, Odysseus has regained control of his realm. Now, after many years, he can finally see his father. At first, Odysseus wants to see if his father is not an imposter and if he is honest, so he sets up a test of loyalty, but no disguise can fake his father's tears of grief. This is why this is such a significant scene in the story.
Father--I am your son--myself, the man your seeking, home after twenty years, (24.360-362)
In this scene, we learn that Antiinous's father Eupithes wants to get revenge on Odysseus for killing his son. Therefore he plans to attack him along with many others. However, he is warned by Medon that the Gods are on Odysseus's side. This makes some of Eupithes troops back down but some are still brave enough to face Odysseus. This is a very significant scene in the book because even after killing all the suitors Odysseus is not fully at peace just yet.
I saw the same God, now in front of Odysseus, spurring him on (24. 491)
I'd rather die at once then go among the dead. Attack! )24 473)
In this scene, we see Athena jump right in the middle of the war and end the fighting once and for all. She does this by striking fear into the townsmen causing them to scurry and tells Odyseys to obey the order of peace as well. This is a very significant scene in the book because once and for all Ithaca and Odysseus are finally after all these years at peace.
So she commanded. He obeyed her glad at heart. And Athena handed down her pacts of peace between both sides for all the years to come, (24. 598-601)