Generosity And Hospitality In Homer's Odyssey

Throughout his journey, Odysseus encounters a variety of hosts who treat him with both generosity and inhospitality. In Homer's Odyssey, the concept of xenia (Greek for "guest-friendship") plays a significant role in the moral code that guides the behavior of the Characters, Dishonesty is also a big part Of The story to, these made Odysseus rode back to the throne harder.

In the story we experienced the bad side of hospitality which lead to the rising actions in the story throughout Odysseus journey running into problems. Odysseus and his men are attacked by the Cicones after they arrive on the island of the Phaeacians and introduce themselves. The Cicones called out to neighbors on the mainland, who are strong and numerous, and skilled at

These acts of kindness provide him with the supplies and support he needs to continue his journey and persevere through the difficulties he faces. when he was stranded on Calypso's island, he was there for many years until the goddess Athena pleaded with Zeus to allow him to return home. The Phaeacians provide him with a ship, clothing, and treasure to take home after he tells them his story. Circe provided him with a safe place to stay and warned him about the journey ahead. The swineherd Eumaeus and the steward, Philoetius, treats him with great kindness and hospitality, despite not knowing that he is their lord.(204-206). Odysseus gets respect from Nausica and is welcomed to the island. The second piece of evidence that shows that Xenia has good deeds was when she helps Odysseus disguise as a slave to fake who he really was for his benefit. This allows Odysseus to move about undetected and gather information about what has happened in his absence, as well as to plan his strategy for dealing with the suitors who have taken over his palace and are vying for the hand of his wife, Penelope. This guided Odysseus in the right direction because this was a step in his journey that led him back to the

Odysseus is met with disrespect by suitors in his palace. “Instead they sit, wasting his wealth on feasts. Each night and day they butcher sheep, not one but dozens of them, and pour out yet more wine for reckless drinking. Those selfish oafs!” (270. 92-96) Odysseus has been away from Ithaca for 20 years, and upon returning and hearing about how the suitors have taken over his palace, mistreated his servants, and consumed his resources, it would be understandable for him to feel angry and upset. This anger and desire for revenge would likely fuel his determination to reclaim his home and punish the suitors for their disrespectful behavior, Leading to the climax. “Dogs! So you thought I would not come back home from Troy? And so you fleeced my house, and raped my slave girls, and you flirted with my wife while I am still alive!” (397. 35-38). After learning about the mistreatment of his palace and household by the suitors, Odysseus, with the help of his son Telemachus, plans and executes a surprise attack on the suitors. Leading to the “slaughter of the suitors” bloodbath. It is important to note that this event can be seen as a moral dilemma, as hospitality and xenia was a sacred duty in Ancient Greek culture and Odysseus acted as a host and guest at the same