Why does Dante create this fantastic ending to the life of Ulysses given that so much material is available for him to use in his encounter with the sinner?
Dante's interactions with Ulysses are no different than that with other ancient (read classical) authors and characters, namely Virgil, Aeneas, and Dido. Of course Dante means to demonstrate his appreciation for these people in his Comedy by mentioning them, but they serve more greatly than Dante serves them in the Inferno. Ulysses, no differently, is being used in Dante's work to prove a point.
In the case of Ulysses, Dante completely reinvents the story of the Odyssey. In the Comedy, Ulysses speaks of how, after returning from sea after many years, went out sailing again, "longing for experience of the world, of human vices and virtue" (26.94-5). He began pursuing land beyond the Atlantic, which during these times, presumably was considered not within human capability, and consequently, drowns on his voyage. Of course none of which never happened, at least not in the Odyssey. Once again, as Dante continues the story (or perhaps fate) of Virgil among other characters, he does so with Ulysses.
There is, however, quite precision behind Dante's retelling of the Odyssey. Had Ulysses went out to see and did all these things-humans-appreciated, without any credit to God, and still maintained the title of 'ideal hero', Dante would have to place Ulysses in heaven. Therefore, Dante makes death the obvious consequence for Ulysses's choice of 'earthly' pursuits.
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