The Importance Of Hospitality In The Odyssey

In my family’s home, hospitality is very important to us, I always know to clean the house and make it look nice. It is just the same in the Odyssey. They always treat strangers with respect like when Telemachus stayed with King Nestor at Pylos or when Odysseus washed up on the shore of the Phaeacian island. In the Odyssey, by Homer, he illustrates a recollection of the past, through the use of xenia. Hospitality in Homer’s time was well shown through long travels such as Odysseus ' in The Odyssey as well as the guest-friend relationship, known as xenia. A reason hospitality was so important in those times was because the Greeks believed the gods wanted them to show hospitality to anyone that showed up at their home.

“What kind of land have I come to now?

Are the natives wild and lawless savages,

Or god fearing men who welcome strangers?(6.118-20)

At this time in the story, Odysseus washes up at the Phaeacians’ city. In this quote he gives the reason on why most people give immense hospitality to strangers. The people of Homer’s time worshiped these gods so much and wanted to please them, so they were kind to everyone.

“Let the lyre stop. It is better if we all,

Host and guest alike, can enjoy the feast.

All that we are doing we are doing on behalf

Of the revered stranger, providing him

With passage home and gifts of friendship.

A stranger and suppliant is as dear as a brother”(8.586-91)

Alcinous explains why it is important to treat strangers with kindness. It allows