Xenia In Homer's Odyssey

Words: 840
Pages: 4
Open Document
Xenia is the concept of hospitality towards guest, commonly seen in ancient greek history. Considering that the Odyssey is a epic poem based on real life, it constantly relies on the perception of xenia that it might not have occurred without it. Then on to been written without it. In the Odyssey, Xenia plays a huge role in the way you act and treat your personal guest.

Xenia is shown through a man by the name of Eumaeus, so if a god ever confronted him in a human form, he will be prepared. Eumaeus was a swineherd, which means that he tended to the pigs. Not only did the sophisticated people have xenia in ancient greece, but even someone as low in the political class of a swineherd shows Xenia. Eumaeus is explaining to an older man that even …show more content…
He is the man who always displays good Xenia. In this quote he was devastated when he realized that Athene had not been severed. Soon after he noticed Athene, he then waited to her. Telemachus took her by the hand, took her spear, and said that he would comfort her. Homer states: “He saw Athene and went straight to the forecourt, the heart within him scandalized that a guest would still be standing at the doors. He stood beside her and took her by the right hand, and relieve her of the bronze spear, and spoke to her and addressed her in winged words: "Welcome, stranger. You shall be entertained as a guest among us. Afterwards, when you have tasted dinner, you shall tell us what you need is." (Odyssey 1.118-124) Telemachus approached Athena and called her stranger, Athena is being confronted as a stranger and is still respected fully as if Telemachus had been knowing Athena his whole life. Next, Telemachus is explaining to a son like figure that his words will never be forgotten, as he will now be bathed and then they will be even. Telemachus replied: ‘My guest, your words to me are very kind and considerate, what any father would say to his son. I shall not forget them. But come now, stay with me, eager though you are for your journey, so that you must first bathe and take your ease and, well rested and happy in your heart,
Show More

Related Documents: Xenia In Homer's Odyssey

Xenia In Homer's Odyssey

character. The theme is different in all chapters and has a huge impact on the story. Xenia is one of the theme, the concept of Xenia and the respect of guests. Odysseus encounters with Cyclops and when Polyphemus eats Odysseus men, the prayers to the gods and the asking for help. “Hopes of warm welcome, even a guest-gift, the sort that hosts give strangers. That’s the custom” (9. 301-302). Polyphemus didn’t know Xenia. When Odysseus and his men are tempted to stay as Helios the sun god’s land even though…

Words 184 - Pages 1

Generosity And Xenia In Homer's The Odyssey

In Homers The Odyssey, many acts of hospitality and kindness are shown. This is seen throughout the book but especially in the Greek culture and customs. Another way to express hospitality is the term Xenia, which means generosity and kindness. In the novel, the characters treat each other with lots of respect, kindness, and hospitality. One example of this theme is when Athena arrived in the land, Nestor and all his sons were waiting for her as if she was a great queen."As soon as they saw the strangers…

Words 122 - Pages 1

Essay about xenia classics

beliefs have on your chosen character(s) and other characters in the text. * Beliefs may be political, or religious, or social, or cultural ­ Xenia The ancient Greeks had many morals and beliefs which stood as the core of their society and were a huge influence on how it functioned as a whole. One of the most common morals was xenia. Xenia is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, the generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing guest­friendship…

Words 1003 - Pages 5

Generosity In The Odyssey

The Iliad and The Odyssey are epics studied from students to literary scholars. These ancient literature tell the story of a hero’s return, while outlining aspects of Ancient Greece. Reading Homer’s The Odyssey reveals hospitality through plot by repeating the importance of generosity in Ancient Greece, which differs from the communities of contemporary readers. Throughout The Odyssey, hospitality, or xenia, is a continuous pattern. Odysseus faces this concept many times. Xenia introduced Odysseus’…

Words 373 - Pages 2

In What Ways Is the Telemachy Important to the Odyssey as a Whole Essays

In what ways is the Telemachy important to the Odyssey as a whole? What would the poem lose if these first four books were removed? Homer’s the Odyssey is the epic tale of Odysseus’ return home from the battle of Troy, yet we do not truly get to the hero in action until after we are drawn through the story of his son life in the absence of his father in Ithaka. In the first four books, we see how Telemachos, Odysseus’ son, matures and through his eyes Homer shows us the unrest and troubles of…

Words 1543 - Pages 7

Examples Of Femininity In The Odyssey

Homer portrays women in his own overgeneralized interpretation, and as objects rather than people. While both Helen of Troy and Circe are used as models of femininity in T he Odyssey, Homer separates Helen by showing her good intentions and well­meaning ways. Helen of Troy represents a positive example of femininity in T he Odyssey b…

Words 940 - Pages 4

Hospitality in Corinth Essay

English 2301-N1 April 25, 2013 “Hospitality Contained in The Iliad and The Odyssey” Hospitality is one of the main themes in the great works of The Iliad and The Odyssey by the poet Homer. Merriam-Webster defines hospitality as “generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment or the activity of providing food, drinks, etc. for people who are the guests or customers of an organization — often used before another noun” (“Hospitality”). In basic terms, the love for…

Words 1647 - Pages 7