Let Professional Writer Help You, 6000 Fairview Road, SouthPark Towers, Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC 28210, USA. The Importance of Xenia in The Odyssey and it’s Consequences One of the most important themes in The Odyssey is the concept of xenia, which is the old Greek word for hospitality.

When Odysseus is on the island of the Phaiakians, as part of King Alkinoos entertainment (his xenia toward Odysseus) he presents the Phaiakian dancers, in the hope that Odysseus would, “on his return tell his companions we excel the world in dance and song, as in our ships and running” (Homer 132). [...], In The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus displays being a strong leader through his responsibility, courage, and brilliance while leading his warriors through calm and harsh times. Evidence that Xenia was integral to Greek society can be found in the fact that Zeus, the king of the Gods, was also portrayed as the God of Xenia.

Aegisthus does certain unstated acts with Agamemnon's wife, then kills Agamemnon, or entertainment are all examples of presenting good xenia to guests. What are the basic expectations that come with proper xenia? In Book XX, Odysseus returned to his palace disguised as a stranger when the suitors were enjoying one of their banquets. Some of the more thought about topics of the Odyssey are hospitality, loyalty, and vengeance. If you have any comparisons or differences i would be very grateful. Odysseus had become shipwrecked and sought shelter in a bush. The theme of punishment and reward for how xenia is offered runs throughout The Odyssey, starting with Odysseus’ encounter with the cyclops Polyphemus to his return to Ithaka and eventual vengeance against the suitors. One of the best examples of good xenia in The Odyssey is that of Nausikaa (Homer 104 – 108), a princess on the island of the Phaiakians.

These are all examples of good xenia to a stranger, even one in as poor a condition as Odysseus was when they found him. Emerging from the bushes, rough, ragged, crusted with dried seawater and covered only by an olive branch; he approached Nausikaa and her maids-in-waiting. He calculated how best to seek her aid without insulting her (“In his swift reckoning, he thought it best to trust in words to please her—and keep away; he might anger the girl, touching her knees.” (Homer 103)), made requests but not forceful demands, and gratefully accepted her gifts and advice.

The function of xenia assists the development of the plot in both positive and negative ways. Could you possibly help me with my paper on the Odyssey? This is just a sample. You can get your I love manga, anime, history, sci-fi, video games, and technology. Why Is Xenia Such an Important Theme in the Odyssey?

While it has yet to proven whether or not the gods did aid the Ancient Grecians, it's evident in Robert Fitzgerald's [...], In Odyssey, the main character Odysseus leaves his land and family to battle at Troy. If either the host or the guest was to break any rule set by Xenia, there would be severe penalties dealt by Zeus and also by society (Wikipedia). Almost every encounter between characters gives us demonstrations of how xenia should, or shouldn’t be carried out. However, when xenia is not respected it leads to negative consequences. Odysseus was one of the greatest fighters in the trojan war, but unfortunately was challenged with many trials before, ancient Greece. Also, when Odysseus returned home, though in disguise, the suitors continued to show bad xenia. The suitors, who were already ill-portrayed by Homer with just some of their names (the lead suitor was named Antinoos, which literally means “No Mind”), were made even more detestable through their actions as guests. In the role of the host, the suitors failed to provide proper xenia by insulting their guest, Odysseus, by injuring him instead of protecting him from harm, and by not being as hospitable as possible. We will send an essay sample to you in 2 Hours. Finley in “The World of Odysseus”, a powerful institution in Ancient Greek times which solidified relationships between peoples and created alliances (100). The mere fact that they came to his house, seeking Penelope’s hand in marriage, isn’t necessarily wrong. Scholars He eventually encountered Nausikaa’s parents, was well received, entertained, and was sent on his way in a Phaiakian boat to Ithaka, loaded down with treasures. The average student has to read dozens of books per year. Encyclopedia of ancient Greece. Examples of Xenia in the Odyssey allow us to judge which characters are wealthy, famous, good, bad, monstrous and evil. While this book mentions many mythological themes, Homer includes factual information about ancient Greeks and their way of life. Hi!

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