Three Values of Greek Society in the Odyssey

“The world is full of wonders, but nothing is more wonderful than man.” This quote shows that the Greeks valued themselves, but also their intellect in which they know that the world about them is great. The Greeks valued beauty, art, intellect, honor, and truth; the list is long. Some of these values are shown through the story of the Odyssey, which tells of the adventures of Odysseus and his family. In order to understand Greek values and how they are portrayed in Greek society, one must examine how some values are portrayed in the Odyssey: hospitality, intellect, and beauty.

In Greek society, hospitality is really important. The Greeks strongly believed in their gods, and they always wanted to be prepared if one came knocking at their door one day, under a disguise. Therefore, doors were held wide open for complete strangers, and food, drink, even a room might be offered to them for the night. There were many examples of this in the Odyssey. When Telemakhos, Odysseus’ son, comes to visit Menelaos, King of the Akhaians, Telemakhos accidentally stumbles upon their wedding....