The distinctiveness of xenia is often depicted through great hospitality that is prominent in Greek culture. The importance of eating and all its multiple meanings, are illustrated in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” In this epic Homer portrays a more domestic lifestyle, providing …show more content…
Polyphemus is analogous to the suitors, both of which abuse xenia. The suitor’s gluttony is punished upon the eventual return of Odysseus, who slaughters them without much thought as they did his livestock. While food functions to depict Odysseus wealth, it exhibits the dual meaning as it also tempts the suitors into “living an easy life/ scot free, eating the livestock of another,” (The Odyssey, I.197-198). For minor characters, falling for food temptation means death yet Odysseus’ god-like nature surpasses simple temptations. With feast often being depicted as the welcoming of guest, it is in the end Odysseus’ heroic return while the suitor’s feast that depicts a full circle of how food can be a temptation and those who indulge will be