Hospitality: The Significance Of Xenia In Homer's Odyssey

Imagine a time when a person could walk up to a stranger’s door and immediately be welcomed and situated comfortably within the home. The idea that this is ridiculous and nevertheless unsafe is rather unheard of during the time of the Ancient Greeks. Hospitality is perhaps the most important and most popular quality of their society. Homer, a Greek author, tells his readers in his epic, The Odyssey, the significance of xenia demonstrated by characters when they are tested for their loyalty or when they are in need of help, representing the philosophy of the Greek culture. Homer, not willing to start the story off with a slow beginning, immediately brings his readers to the conflict at Odysseus’ household. Telemachus, struggling with a lack
Odysseus, coming home after twenty years, feels like in order to gain trust in his people and know whether they are still loyal to him, he tests his civilians. The first person he speaks to from Ithaka is his swineherd, who saved Odysseus from “four dogs like wolves”(Homer pg.247) that guarded his house and immediately tells him to “come to the cabin”(Homer pg.248). The usage of the simile describing the guard dogs that had attacked Odysseus emphasize the actions Eumaios took to make sure Odysseus was safe. The simile enhances the fact the Eumaios fiercely and willingly put his life before Odysseus’ although Odysseus appeared as a stranger in the woods. This shows that hospitality doesn't just come in forms of giving food and welcoming to their household, but also the safety of the guests who appear at households. The alliteration Eumaios stated of coming to his cabin show the friendliness and overall kind person Eumaios is. The specific word choice of “come to the cabin” use simple, short syllable words. Because of the simplicity of the phrase, it is as if Odysseus is already a friend of Eumaios, although he is a stranger in appearance. This enhances the fact that Eumaios is offering his place as almost a second home to
In other cases, however, gifts are bestowed upon the guests. When Odysseus meets Alkinoos and explains who he is and the troubles he has been having, he is ushered inside the home and is showered with presents. In explanation of why the gifts were given, Alkinoos stated that each man had given something in order to pay for the loss that each bears. He had “voiced their own heart’s wish”(Homer pg.229) of returning home like Odysseus plans to do. The usage of this personification illustrates the care and pity Alkinoos and his men have for Odysseus. Being hospitable, the gifts were given to praise Odysseus for his achievements, but also make up for all the losses he had. During Ancient Greece, it was common for heroes to be rewarded for their accomplishments and given care for when they are in need of help. Alkinoos and his men had learned of Odysseus’ success in the war, and because he as a hero and of higher class, he was given gifts. The word choice of “voicing” the men’s own “heart’s wish” show that they are being genuinely sorrowful and grateful for Odysseus, since it is what they feel in their hearts. This shows that hospitality isn’t always just empty words used to save oneselves from the wrath of the gods, but rather a true quality that people show in respect for each other. Xenia to the gods, care for one another, and riches galore is what makes