The Presence Of Xenia In Homer's The Odyssey

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First and foremost, the presence of Xenia in “The Odyssey” is exemplified numerous times, demonstrating its importance to the ancient Greeks. Throughout their journey, Odysseus and his men stumbled upon an interesting island of the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Lacking forethought, Odysseus, knowing he was under the protection of the gods, was not afraid of wandering into the cave of a flesh-eating brute. However, his men were begging Odysseus with a more attractive offer, “Why not take cheese, get them stowed, come back, throw open all the pens, and make a run for it?” (Homer, Book 9). Afterward, they suggested they could then, “Drive the kids and lambs aboard.” (Homer, Book 9). They knew that they were breaking the guest-host code, but Odysseus said