The Role Of Xenia In Homer's Odyssey

The ancient Greek concept of xenia speaks volumes about the values of ancient Greeks and how they valued hospitality, generosity, and courtesy. Throughout the Odyssey, xenia is exhibited in many settings. The first point where ancient Greek values are revealed through xenia is when Athena, goddess, disguises as Menelaus, Odysseus’ friend, and visits Telemachus. Even though his home is overrun by suitors, Telemachus quickly welcomes her, stating “Greetings, stranger. You are welcome here / After you’ve had dinner, you can tell us what you need” (Homer 1.132-133). Before that, he is “Indignant that a guest had been made to wait so long” (1.129). Telemachus exhibits how ancient Greeks valued hospitality and courtesy. Even though Athena may be

a stranger, Telemachus greets with the same geniality he would anybody and makes sure she feels welcomed. Another display of ancient Greek values is found when Telemachus and Athena travel to Pylos, an island, to visit Nestor, who fought alongside Odysseus in the Trojan War.

When they arrive, they are greeted with Nestor’s men “...clasping their hands in welcome / And inviting them to sit down. Nestor’s son / Peisistratus was first, taking them both by the hand / And having them sit down at the feast” (3.38-41). Here, ancient Greek generosity is showcased with the feast given to strangers Telemachus and Athena. Courtesy is also exhibited, with hosts only questioning their guests after providing a meal. Even then, they are amiable and far from interrogative. A final display of ancient Greek values can be found when Telemachus and Peisistratus arrive at Menelaus’ palace, where a wedding party is taking place, and Eteoneus, Menelaus’ right-hand man, asks if they should be invited in or sent somewhere else. Specifically, Eteoneus mentions sending them elsewhere for hospitality, presenting that the ancient Greeks valued hospitality to the extent it became a standard (as Eteoneus assumes Telemachus and Peisistratus will receive hospitality elsewhere). Menelaus scolds him in response, stressing “How many times have you and I / Enjoyed the hospitality of others, / Hoping that Zeus would someday put an end / To our hard

traveling? Unyoke their horses / And bring our new guests in to the feast” (4.34-39). Menelaus’ lecture supports the ancient Greek value of courtesy. With a palace already filled to the brim, he puts himself in the shoes of the strangers and invites them in to feast. One may argue that in these situations, strangers would not be fed and given accommodation if an event or gathering was not already taking place. However, other, brief examples of xenia are also scattered throughout the Odyssey. In fact, on the way to Menelaus’ palace, Telemachus and Pisistratus spend the night at Diocles’, son of Orsilochus, home because “Diocles / Gave them hospitality due to guests” (3.539-540). Thus, xenia reveals how the ancient Greeks valued hospitality, generosity, and courtesy in a “what goes around, comes around” style, knowing that paying generosity forward to strangers will result in them receiving it when they become strangers themselves.