In the story “ The Odyssey “ by Garreth Hinds, we can identify a universal theme of hospitality or “Xenia” in Ancient Greek Culture. For instance, when King Alcinous helps Odysseus when he was shipwrecked we can see the type of culture and manners that are expected by Greeks. Another prime example is when Menelaus welcomes Odysseus in Sparta and offers drinks and food. The author uses these examples throughout the story to reiterate the general theme.
From the beginning of the book, we see a perfect example of hospitality on page 6. Telemachus welcomes Athena into his home when she is disguised as Mentes. She does this to encourage Telemachus in his search for his father. When Telemachus welcomes Athena into his home he shows hospitality by offering her a place to sit and rest, and by providing her with food and drink, without any hesitation. He also doesn’t even know who it really is he’s helping. This goes back to what is expected of Greeks and what kind of system they're accustomed to.
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Odysseus has just been shipwrecked and was drenched and soaked with all kinds of debris on him. He was left washed up on the shore desperate for help and support. King Alcinous and his wife notice Odysseus and without any hesitation welcome him into their home. He expresses concern for Odyssue's well-being, and even gets him a new ship as well as assistance with a crew. If something like this were to happen in the U.S. for example the couple would usually discuss it among themselves and decide if they should let a stranger into their home but not in Greece. This is yet another example of the universal theme of Xenia being displayed throughout the