Hospitality In The Odyssey Analysis

All were welcome into your home and were offered the food, clothing, and shelter they needed. Among many ancient societies such as Greece and Rome hospitality was a major part of the social structure. In many epics written by Homer and others, some form of hospitality is present. In the Odyssey, Odysseus relies on this prevalent hospitality to supply him with what he needs. However, he finds that not all beings live this way.

Ancient Greek culture highly valued hospitality. To begin with, Ancient Greeks treated their guests with respect and kindness. In Neil Dolan’s the article, “Phaeacian Hospitality for Odysseus,” he states that, ”the relationship between guest and host was a matter of greatest importance in the culture.” The author’s words do a good job at creating an underlying meaning of what Greek Hospitality is. Ancient Greeks understand that when they treat a guest with respect the guest will give them more respect in return. In addition, when Odysseus was staying on the island of the Phaeacians,”He (Odysseus) is treated courteously and generously”(Dolan).

Hospitality proved to be an essential value in The Odyssey. It shows the respect for people as well as the gods. For example, Odysseus approaches Eumaios’, one of Odysseus’ loyal servants, home as an old beggar. Eumaios still takes Odysseus in and offers him food and wine. Eumaios also states that “rudeness to a stranger is not decency...All wanderers and beggar come from Zeus” (15.67-70).

For Ancient Greece, treating strangers with hospitality is expected. In Odysseus’s recent encounters, he was washed up on the shore of Phaeacia and was welcomed by the king and queen. Though Odysseus is a stranger upon the land of Phaeacia, kindness and aid is brought to him with the words of Alcinoüs, the King of Phaeacia, “I will fix your setting forth, and you may rest secure… until you reach your land and home or anywhere you please.” Treating travelers kindly was quite common in Ancient Greece, thus making “The Odyssey” quite relatable to its listeners. For if you are kind to your visitor, not only will your land receive a good reputation, it also aids in the advancement of trade and culture. Knowing this, the Phaeacians treated Odysseus

These sanctuaries served as a place of religious refuge where persons could seek asylum without fear of being persecuted or attacked. The games played an important part in not only honoring the Gods but also celebrating the athleticism and vigor of the youth within Greece (AvantiLogic). It was also a way to unite city states with a common thread by celebrating achievements and enjoying the entertainment brought on by the festivals. These games left an important legacy of community and passion not only in ancient Greece but in modern society. This is evidenced by the continuing Olympic sports ceremony that unites countries around the world to display the athletic prowess of their nationals.

Odysseus and his men Weren’t even nicked… (22.272-76) This example provides the information that when there is a life or death situation involving weapons and death, gods and goddesses tend to intervene. Athena decides to take Odysseus’ side because of his godlike traits, strength, and patience. The mythological deities present themselves to show that the xenia and good deeds from events, small or large, can add up to be blessed or to be saved from a deadly incident. Homer presents deus ex machina throughout, The Odyssey, to display how the Epic Poem is still significant today. During the plot of the poem, mythological gods and goddesses are present in people’s lives to aid them when problems arise.

A common strength between the two mythological love stories is the use of symbolism to support the overall meaning of loyalty in love. In Baucis and Philemon, the symbol that most supports loyalty is the ramshackle home filled with warmth and joy. Baucis says to her visiting guests, “‘We are poor folk,’ she said, ‘but poverty isn’t so bad when you’re willing to own up to it, and a contented spirit is a great help too.’” This quote contributes to the author’s strength in the use of symbolism in that it effectively shows that even in their old age and poor economic condition, they are still devoted to each other and their home as seen in their cozy hearth and uplifted spirits. Similarly, in the love story Orpheus and Eurydice, Orpheus’ journey

So the authors opinion can be known as a double standard because though the greeks party and have fun, they still support and abide by what their founders intentions were. All these black lettered organizations have something common in these sororities and fraternities their emphasis was designated to service. Nevertheless, in the article Examining the benefits of Greek

The reason this decision shows his trust in others is because Perseus could have easily taken the position for himself, but instead chose to trust somebody else who was close to him with the job. Like the Greeks, in 2016 we also appreciate Perseus’ trust in others and his compassion. 2016 appreciates these traits because

Throughout The Odyssey there are many examples that prove the significance of the Homeric value of “hospitality.” Due to the unadvanced ways of transportation and communication, many days could be spent in an unknown location and the hosts of the location were supposed to treat the guests very well. For instance, as Odysseus arrives on the island of the Phaeacians, he is greeted with welcoming hospitality. Nausikaa, “But now that you have taken refuge here, you shall not lack for clothing, or any other comfort due to a poor man in distress (VI.205-207.104.) Clearly Nausikaa and Phaeacians are aware of the challenges Odysseus has endured and offered him clothes, food and any comfort he wants, all hospitable acts. On a different note, as Odysseus

Xenia is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, the generosity, and courtesy shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing guest-friendship [XENIA]. Xenia is also a way of life, in Ancient Greece, people are being hospitable all the time. Some people are being hospitable because this is the right thing to do and they also enjoy doing this, also being generous made them look good. The second reason for doing this is because people believe that Zeus was the protector of guests. “It 's wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing— even one who arrives in worse shape than you.

After all the help that hermes has provided the gods, they are grateful for his actions. Calvo 3 Work Cited Mastrocinque, Attilio. "Hermes." Encyclopedia of Religion . Ed.