The Role Of Hospitality In The Odyssey

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The Odyssey Research Paper
Giving the gift of hospitality to others is an important, religious concept, and results in reward and good fortune for all of the facilitators. As represented by the epic The Odyssey, written by Homer and translated by Lombardo, hospitality is a vital classical concept even a king must follow. In addition, the Jewish religion’s interpretation of the Torah states that hospitality is a significant mitzvah everyone should fulfill. In both texts, hospitality is portrayed as a key point that determines one’s trust in a god or gods. The concept of hospitality plays an essential role in the success of the protagonists throughout The Odyssey and the Torah.
After arriving in the land of the Phaeacians, Odysseus immediately …show more content…

During the first meeting between Circe and the crew, she introduces herself as a dangerous character by turning all the sailors into pigs. Recognizing this trap, Odysseus commands the beautiful Goddess to promise not to plan new troubles for himself and his crew. After the dispute is settled, Circe keeps her promise and provides the crew members with food, clothes, and a secure place to sleep for a full year. Showing her hospitality to Odysseus and his men, “the Goddess had my men bathed, rubbed down with oil, and clothed in tunics and fleecy cloaks” (Lombardo 91). The hospitality of Circe is on full display during her time with Odysseus as represented by this quote. After receiving a year of kindness and courtesy from Circe, it enables the men of Odysseus to continue the voyage home despite knowing they will face even more troubles along the way. Moreover, the year-long stay at the house of Circe allows the men to feel their lifestyle back at home, giving them hope that they will soon return. This helps the case of Odysseus because his men will be loyal to his word and will support him on the hard journey home. The story of Rebecca and the camels connects to Circe from a standpoint of sacrifice. Rebecca, the future wife of Isaac, makes the decision to give water to the camels of Abraham’s servant after they endured a long journey. This quote by Rebecca solidified her hospitable traits and showed the servant her beautiful personality, “When she had let him drink his fill, she said, I will also draw for your camels, until they finish drinking” (Genesis 24:19). She makes this sacrifice despite knowing that she will have to go and retrieve even more water directly after. This relates to Circe because she sacrifices her house for a full year to the crew of Odysseus. The overall success of Abraham is boosted by the actions of Rebecca, because she later becomes Isaac, Abraham’s

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