What Is Hospitality In The Odyssey

Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey is one of the most complex pieces of literature in the field of classics, the intricacies and hidden meanings that are engrained in the text make it a perfect source to examine the behaviors that were valued and displayed in Greek society. Hospitality is one of the major behavioral patterns that is central to this epic as well as ancient Greek society. Homer helps the reader to understand this code of behavior by writing vivid scenes where the audience can see what lengths the hosts are willing to go to in order to please their guests. However, this understanding is complicated by some abuses of hospitality by the protagonists, Odysseus and Telemachus when they themselves are guests, receiving others hospitality.

Both receive Telemachus in a similar manner that he received Athena in. They take care of his basic needs, offer him food and a place to sleep, and only when he is ready do they talk about business, “Nestor’s son Pisistratus: first to reach them, grasped their hands and sat them down at the feast… flanking his brother and father” Nestor places his unknown guests at seats of honor and supplies them with food and drink. Only after the guests have finished filling themselves does Nestor ask who they are and why they are here. (108) These examples indicate there is a trend of extending hospitality before introductions but the reason for that is reinforced by Menelaus when Telemachus visits Sparta “Just think of all the hospitality we enjoyed at the hands of other men before we made it home… Quick, unhitch their team. And bring them in. strangers, guests, to share our flowing feast. Through this speech Menelaus indicates that it is not only because the visitors might be gods that people are supposed to extend hospitalities but because those before you have offered it, it is good to “pay It

A major flaw that is central to the plot of this epic is hubris. Odysseus has placed himself in many difficult situations because of this. His tendency to brag and boast was displayed at the feast of Phaeacia when competitions were going on. For the discuss competition he bragged that “Now go match that you young pups, and straightaway I’ll hurl you another just as far” (198) Odysseus did not just beat the competition, he challenged everyone else at the party to any of the competitions that were occurring. This display of overconfidence and hubris is not the type of behavior that a guest is supposed to exhibit, especially after receiving the kindness that the Phaeacians afforded to Odysseus. They welcomed Odysseus into their home and feast, and fed and entertained him, while not knowing his identity. After this behavior the king still gave elegant and expensive gifts to Odysseus upon his departure, “Come my dear, bring in an elegant chest, the best you have and lay inside a fresh cloak and shirt…and I will give him this gorgeous golden cup of mine”. (205) This display of ludicrous generosity and hospitality is a trend that persists throughout the epic.

The Odyssey highlights several key themes that were integral to Greek life. Hospitality, and the abuse of it are some of the central driving forces in this epic. Homer’s telling of the tale focuses on these aspects of Greek life to