The Odyssey, written by the poet Homer, examines the theme of xenia and the importance of following cultural norms throughout the texts. Xenia demonstrates the way guests and travelers should be treated when they arrive at a host’s house or land, including and not limited to feeding the guests, providing them with entertainment, and giving a sacrifice to the gods. Essentially, it is a form of politesse and hospitality imposed as a social norm for travelers and hosts in Greek mythology. Violations of xenia are severe for they signal a disregard for social norms and a disregard for the well-being of others (i.e. in this case, those of the travelers). Polyphemus, a son of Poseidon, was a cyclops in the Odyssey, known to demonstrate poor xenia