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Xenia In The Odyssey

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In The Odyssey, Homer depicts a society that culturally values Xenia in which generosity is freely and willingly given to strangers; failure to exhibit the trait is punishable by death. Homer develops the trait of hospitality being integral in Greek society through Meneláos’ act of generosity and the repercussions the suitors face because of their failure to display it. The epic includes the literary devices of alliteration to emphasize Menelaos' act of giving and a simile to exemplify the suitors abusing of the custom. The use of alliteration in the description of Meneláos' gift to Telemachus as "precious and perfect" (Homer 253) emphasizes how hospitable the Greek societies are because of their selectivity in the choosing of gifts. The act of giving is not out of obligation; it is the norm of their society. The objects offered serve as a symbol of the owners respect and pride for the guest to share to others what they received. As Telemachus' receives the “perfect and precious” food and treasury, he is receiving …show more content…

Homers comparison of Odysseus' appearance as "caked in blood like a mountain lion"( Homer 390) shows how the suitors met a gruesome and deserving death by Greek society. The blood of the suitors, described as having been caked and collected on Odysseus' persona, is a symbol of justification that the Greek society gained for the suitors abusement of xenia. Homer’s representation of a mountain lion as Odysseus is describing indirectly how the suitors were hunted like prey by a stealthy and strong individual. A mountain lion is careful and patient in the killing of their prey: this enhances how Odysseus would take the necessary time needed for the suitors to pay with their lives. The abusement of Xenia is not taken lightly and individuals will be punished by a dishonorable

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