The Importance of Hospitality in Ancient Greece versus The Dark Ages

In ancient Greek society, the mistreatment of strangers was considered to be a serious offence. Hellenic culture was encouraged to cultivate ethics, an attitude of welcome, and was very proud of its hospitality to strangers. The Greek word for hospitality, philoxenia, literally means “love of strangers”. Homer might have had such a definition in mind while introducing the theme of hospitality in his epic poem, The Odyssey. His idea correlates with those of his time.

I realized in the sixth episode (The Princess and the Stranger) that the reason for such a prominent position on this theme made by the author was due to the importance of this subject in society at a time of strong belief in divinity and superstition. However, in a similar story that takes place in another part of the world, in another period of time, we once again come across the same theme of hospitality. This is the story of Tristan and Isolde, a sweeping tale of love and loss, based on a timeless Celtic myth of star-crossed passion.

In both of these timeless classic stories, the main storyline begins when a young, beautiful princess finds a lost, foreign stranger in desperate need of help. Whether it is by providing vital medication for a poisoned wound, or simply providing the necessary tools for bathing and clothing, both these princesses greet these strangers with unquestionable hospitality and generosity, and eventually fall in love with them. After hearing of Odysseus’ bold and courageous adventures, the Phaecian princess, Nausicaa feels compelled to provide him with everything and anything he needs. “But now, seeing you’ve reached our city and our land, / you’ll never lack for clothing or any other gift…” (Book 6, line 210) She then takes him b...

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In terms of storyline, hospitality also plays as a big role on the turn of events and on the direction in which the story takes its main characters. In both tales, it is hospitality that at first invites suffering and predicament, and later concludes the story in irony, the basis of tragic storytelling. Without conflict, a love story is just that, plain and dull. It is the struggle and hardships of others that comforts and entertains us, enabling us to escape the harsh reality that is our lives.

Whatever the reason for hospitality, be it a socially acceptable norm due to the circumstances of the times, or for the sake of protection against gods or invaders, hospitality plays a very important role in the two stories The Odyssey and Tristan and Isolde. It portrays the vital aspect in ancient Greek culture, as well as the importance of random acts of kindness.