Good Hospitality In Homer's The Odyssey

In the Odyssey, hospitality is one of the most important values. In modern times people rarely think of hospitality, but in Ancient Greece it was a pillar of the social structure. In addition, this guest-host relationship, commonly referred to as Xenia, proved to be a lot more than simple courtesy. In a time period where the world was still uncivilized, demonstrating good hospitality showed the mark of a civilized person. Numerous narratives within the Odyssey illustrate the value Homer places on showing good hospitality. He does this by showing bad things happening to those who abuse hospitality such as the suitors, and good things happening to those who practice good hospitality such as Eumaeus, the loyal cowhead.

For example, the suitors
In these instances it is always the protagonist or good people demonstrating how to be a good host or guest. This leads the reader to value that behavior. A great example of this happening is when Eumaeus, Odysseus’ loyal swineherd, showed him kindness and gave him food and shelter, even when Odysseus was dressed as a beggar and with nothing to offer in return. Eumaeus is later spared because of his good hospitality and loyalty while most of the other servants are killed for betraying Odysseus. Using Eumaeus’ words “It’s wrong, my friend to send any stranger packing-even one who arrives in worse shape than you. (14,64-65)” This means that it is critical to practice good hospitality and it matters not who the guest is, be it a king or a pauper.

Through epics like the Odyssey, Ancient Greeks learned the value of hospitality and of the importance that it had in their daily life. All throughout the entire Odyssey bad Xenia led to punishments and misfortune while good Xenia led to fulfillment and reward. He does this by showing bad things happening to those who abuse hospitality such as the suitors, and good things happening to those who practice good hospitality such as Eumaeus, the loyal