The Role and Effect of Hospitality in The Odysessy

The Role and Effect of Hospitality in The Odyssey The Odyssey, by the Greek author Homer, is an epic about Lord Odysseus and his quest to return home. The story takes place in and around Ancient Greece. Odysseus, along with his son Telemachus, must expel the suitors from his household after being lost at sea for 20 years. Throughout the epic, one of the underlying themes that Homer shows is the importance of hospitality through elaborate stories emphasizing respect, royalty and catalogs. He also shows how openness to hospitality can bring good karma upon oneself. The Odyssey is full of detailed descriptions of lavish gifts. Homer uses catalogs to highlight hospitality during the book. As Odysseus and Telemachus travel, they encounter many hospitable people who gift many luxurious items. For example, when Athena visits Telemachus disguised as Mentes, he accommodates her very well: "A maid brought Thelma silver finger bowl and filled it out of a beautiful spouting golden jug." (Homer I). Telemachus bestows many extravagant pleasures on Athena, even though he doesn't know who she is. Homer often devotes significant portions of the story to descriptions of gifts given to guests. When Odysseus goes to Alkinoos', king of the Phaiakians, palace, Alkinoos even pushes his own son off of his throne so Odysseus can sit next to him. "Laodamas, had long held place; now the king bade him rise and gave his shining chair to Lord Odysseus." (Homer VII). These are just two of the examples Homer gives in the story. Homer uses other methods to highlight hospitality as well. Many major events in The Odyssey are influenced by hospitality. Eumaios, a swineherd of Odysseus, is a poor, old man who lives alone. When Odysseus goes to see him, he shows great hospitality by giving him food, clothing, and shelter. "Come to the cabin. You're a wanderer too. You must eat something, drink some wine, and tell me where you are from and the hard