Xenia in Ancient Greece free essay sample

In The Odyssey, Homer suggests that xenia is a very important feature of ancient Greece. Xenia is a kind of code of moral conduct for hospitality. For example, In The Odyssey there are times when reciprocation is given when traveling. Furthermore, the Greek people show xenia because Zeus demands hospitality from humans. Lastly there are many times when hospitality is shown to strangers even though the hosts do not know the travelers. Reciprocation is given to strangers in hopes that when the hosts are travelers the favor will be returned. To begin with, Menelaus welcomes the travelers and has the gatekeepers groom and unhitch their horses, saying to his servants, â€Å"Lead our new guests into our house to share in our feast†. (91) This shows that he is a genuine person and will treat them with hospitality as long as they stay. Furthermore, Athena advises young Telemachus to take a ship with faithful men and journey to Pylos. We will write a custom essay sample on Xenia in Ancient Greece or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Phronius, a crew mate asks his father for the ship they will later use. Meanwhile, Athena disguised as Telemachus goes by night and selects the best men for the crew. Zeus, the god of xenia demands hospitality from the people. If people do not show xenia towards others he reprimands them for doing so. As a result, the suitors waiting to wed Penelope go against the laws of xenia by not respecting the host’s belongings. As a suitor says in The Odyssey, â€Å"The laws of hospitality Persson 2 now. Lets not be forgetting them†¦ One has to be careful how one abuses his obligations†. (58) Telemachus abides to the laws of xenia and continues to treat the suitors with hospitality. Although, for Menelaus, Zeus helpfully guides his ship to a man that shows xenia towards his men. Strangers are shown hospitality in hopes that one day the hosts will receive the same kindness. Similarly, Telemachus welcomes the stranger Athena into his father’s house, saying, â€Å"Enter. Please. You are most welcome. †(50) In the midst of Athena’s visit, the rude suitors have overtaken Odysseus home. Lastly, Eteoneus brings Telemachus and Peisistratus to the bathhouse where they are cleaned, toweled and oiled. After, Menelaus beckons the two strangers into his dining hall saying, â€Å"Welcome! Join us. Eat with us. When we have finished we will know who you are. †(92) Menelaus’s first instinct is to make sure the men are taken care of before inquiring about who they are. Xenia is a very important feature in ancient Greece. Hosts welcome travelers into their home in hopes that one day when they are traveling they will be treated with the same hospitality. Zeus, the up holder of xenia demands hospitality from people. In my opinion, I believe that xenia worked back in Odysseus’s time because there was less crime and people were more trustworthy. Now a day you have to be more cautious with whom you let into your home and show hospitality towards. All in all I love the way people are treated warmly and heartily through xenia, I believe it shows their true character and values.