Examples Of Xenia In The Odyssey

Laieba Wardak
Mrs. Mason
Honors English 01
3/23/23
The Fascinating Aspects of Greek Life
When people think of ancient Greek life, most think of people walking around with a vine crown on their head or the many sculptures bestowed today, but is it all that? Ancient Greek life has always been a fascinating part of history, as it is one of the oldest civilizations known to Earth. The story The Odyssey, composed by the blind poet Homer, gives a great insight into ancient Greek aspects. Odysseus' journey to get home provides key insights into major traditions in Greek life. The Odyssey touches on two important features of ancient Greek society which are generous hospitality and devotion to the gods. These traditions not only give the story depth and variety to The Odyssey, but they also shine the light on ancient Greek culture.

The Ancient Greeks carried the idea of xenia, also known as hospitality, because of the hovering thought that the gods would come to them in the shape of mortals. They wanted to show proper respect and generosity to all guests in case they were gods/goddesses in the form of mortals. Throughout the book, there are multiple examples of characters providing hospitality to one another. In Book 1, Telemachus welcomes Mentor and offers him food and drink before even asking about his identity. Telemachus says, "Refresh yourself, and after you have eaten and drunk you shall say what you have come for" (Homer 6). When Telemachus first meets Mentor, he first serves her food and water, without questioning who this person may be. This shows the importance of hospitality in ancient Greek culture and how it was considered a sacred duty to welcome and