How Xenia is Key in The Odyssey
In the epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer shows how the Ancient Greeks relied on each other for hospitality which was known as Xenia. Xenia is an Ancient Greek Value and it made the Greeks allow strangers into their homes for food and a place to sleep. The Greeks were also not allowed to ask questions because Xenia was based on showing generosity to anyone who showed up to your door. This was because it could be a god disguised as a civilian, and usually the homeowners were supposed to give the stranger a gift when they arrived at their door for this reason as well. When someone did not follow the rules of Xenia, they were disciplined; like the suitors getting killed, and the Cyclops getting his eye poked out by Odysseus. …show more content…
Furthermore, when Telemachus sees Athena (disguised), he welcomes her into his father’s (Odysseus) home and offers hospitality to her, without knowing it was a goddess. Telemachus says, “Greetings, stranger!/Here in our house you’ll find a royal welcome./Have supper first, then tell us what you need.”(1.144-146). Telemachus is offering Athena hospitality, and is being very friendly to her. This quote shows how Telemachus is showing good Xenia to Athena. Xenia was used in the Ancient Greek times to invite strangers into their homes, in case it was a god in disguise. If Xenia was not used properly, it was believed that you would be punished by the gods in some way. So, by welcoming Athena into his home, and showing welcome, Telemachus was doing the right thing, according to Ancient Greek …show more content…
Calypso gives Odysseus food, drink, and clothing on his way back to his home, after she keeps him “hostage” on her island for 7 years. Finally, the gods come and force Calypso to free Odysseus from her island. Calypso says “And I myself will stock her with food and water, / ruddy wine to your taste—all to stave off hunger—/ give you clothing, send you a stiff following wind/ so you can reach your native country all unharmed.”(5.184-187). Calypso does not want to free Odysseus, but is technically forced to by the messenger god. This shows how Calypso obviously did not show proper Xenia for 7 years straight. Although, when she releases Odysseus, she gives him all he needs. This is showing Xenia by showing “guest-friendship”, and by showing kindness, which is the definition of Xenia. This shows how important the idea of hospitality was to the Ancient