Hospitality in the Odyssey - 1853 Words

Jeremy Worden Hospitality Illustrated in Homer s The Odyssey Far removed from our individualistic society today is the ancient Greece portrayed in Homer’s The Odyssey, where hospitality and good will are the main focus of these people. As decreed by Zeus himself, those who wish the favor of the Gods must welcome foreigners and domestic with hospitality. A man was supposed to offer the best of his food, his home, and his knowledge before ever asking for his guest’s name or why he was there. There was a sense that those of high status are the main givers of hospitality, but they were not the only ones commanded to offer hospitality. Homer emphasizes hospitality from everyone during Telemachus’ and Odysseus’ journeys, using a man’s†¦show more content†¦What we learn is that Menelaus and Odysseus were inseparable friends. What an example of how Homer believes a man should act! Menelaus is extremely wealthy, very honorable, a great host, and he was best friends with the hero of the Trojan War! The man tha t can show hospitality is to be respected for his good nature is Menelaus. With each new proof of how honorable it is to show hospitality, we see more clearly Homer’s message of how we all should act towards our fellow man. Still, behind the hospitality, is the story of Agamemnon’s death at the hands of Aegisthus and of Orestes’ revenge. This story actually proves part of what Homer is trying to say too. For three men of integrity to agree on Orestes’ act of vengeance as the right thing to do proves how important being hospitable is. Aegisthus’ lack of hospitality cost him his life. Even if you have no dignity, you should still show hospitality if you fear for your life. At the conclusion of Telemachus’ journey, Homer’s major focus has already been brought to the forefront of the story; the suitors in Odysseus’ home are showing the same disregard for their xenos that evil Aegisthus did toward Agamemnon by plotting to kill Telem achus on his way home. Also, Telemachus and soon to be Odysseus, wish the same fate for the suitors that befell Aegisthus. But first, Odysseus must forego instances of hospitality asShow MoreRelatedHospitality in the Odyssey1979 Words   |  8 PagesJacqueline Medina World Humanities Professor Brown March 13, 2011 Hospitality: Good or Bad? Hospitality as a theme in any literary work may not seem note-worthy. However, in Homers epic poem, The Odyssey, it becomes fundamental to the telling of the story. In addition to hospitality in The Odyssey, the question of is it given out of fear of retribution from the gods or out of true generosity, is raised. What is also shown is the form of which it comes in, whether it be unwanted, givenRead MoreHospitality And Hospitality : The Odyssey By Homer1309 Words   |  6 PagesHospitality refers to the relationship between a guest and a host, where the host receives the guest with goodwill, and the guest returns the goodwill by being respectful to their host, showing courtesy, and refraining from abusing the hospitality that had been extended. The concept of hospitality is known as Xenia, a very ancient Greek concept that is still very important in many cultures today. 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My theory is that Odysseus was provided with good hospitality when he would enter a town that allowed him to eat at their table, bathed within their baths, and sleepRead MoreThe Importance of Hospitality in the Odyssey523 Words   |  2 Pages In The Odyssey, Homer uses fear of the gods to portray the idea of Xenia, which means hospitality to all, to live a normal and happy life. On multiple occasions people ignore this idea and in result get a streak of bad luck. For example, the suitors that stay in Odysseus hou se are terrible guests. They get brutally murdered by Odysseus. Polyphemus eats several of Odysseus crew mates. Polyphemus gets blinded by Odysseus. Aegisthus does certain unstated acts with Agamemnons wife, then kills AgamemnonRead MoreDuality Of Hospitality In Genesis And The Odyssey1441 Words   |  6 PagesThe Duality of Hospitality: In Genesis and the Odyssey In two of the texts considered this Fall—Genesis and the Odyssey, there are many incentives to show hospitality. Hospitality, when extended with the best intentions, speaks to the values of the ancient world as well as of the character of who extend it—usually these gestures are rewarded kindly by the master or divine being of the respective culture, but sometimes they are not. Arguably, hosts in Genesis understand hospitality as an opportunityRead MoreEssay on Greek Hospitality in The Odyssey926 Words   |  4 PagesGreek Hospitality in The Odyssey The Greeks have been known for their hospitality and politeness, especially when treating guests- whether strangers or not. This is demonstrated near the beginning of the Odyssey when Telemachus went to Pylos to visit Nestor. Nestor, not knowing who he was taking into his home as guests, treated them with great honor and respect. Now is the time, he said, for a few questions, now that our young guests have enjoyed their dinner. Who are you, strangersRead More The Art of Hospitality - The Greeks and the Odyssey Essay871 Words   |  4 Pagesof the most hospitable cultures was that of the ancient Greeks, exemplified in Homer’s The Odyssey by both gracious hosts and guests. In Greece and The Odyssey, not only was good hospitality etiquette expected, but the added pressure from the conviction that the gods would punish the host if guests were treated without respect (whether they were poor or rich) further compelled excellent manners. The Odyssey illustrates the prope r etiquette when dealing with guests. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;WhetherRead MoreHospitality Is A Recurring Theme Throughout The Odyssey1394 Words   |  6 PagesThe Lack of Hospitality In Polyphemos In The Ancient Greek Culture Hospitality is a recurring theme throughout the Odyssey. Whether it is how Penelope and the people at Ithaca treat their guests, or how Oddyseus and his companions are welcomed in many of the lands they arrive to, hospitality is revealed as a significant feature and value in the Ancient Greek society. In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus, the main character, has different types of encounters throughout his long years of adventure. In