The Odyssey, an epic poem by Homer is about Odysseus and the reader learns that Xenia was given to anyone who needs it. Xenia means guest friendship and is given in times of need. Guest friendship was used in ancient Greek times around the country you did not necessarily need to be a hero Xenia was given to everyone and anyone who needed the hospitality. Hospitality meaning providing food, a bath, bed to rest, clothes, etc. There were rules to Xenia they consist of respect from host to guest and respect from guest to host. Xenia was also used improperly this meaning asking too many questions not providing a bath or food to guest. In The Odyssey proper Xenia is demonstrated through the characters of Penelope, Pallas Athena, and Eurycleia.
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At this time the Suitors are at Penelope's palace all curious about when Odysseus is to come home. The Suitors are seen by Athena(Goddess) whom sees them looking quite carefree and well taken care of. “There she found the swaggering Suitors...just then amusing themselves… lounging on hides of oxen...while heralds and brisk attendants bustled around them” (1.124-127). Penelope has provided the Suitors with a great amount of food, entertainment, servants, and oxen. Penelope also has done so to provide great hospitality to those who have come seeking her help at her home. Penelope followed all rules of proper Xenia ; she respected the host and provided him what he …show more content…
When The Beggar arrives at Ithaca he wants and needs Xenia and Eurycleia is right there to provide him with guest friendship. Eurycleia welcomes The beggar right into a room and begins to provide proper Xenia. “The old woman took up a burnished basin/she used for washing feet and poured in bowls/of fresh cold water before she stirred in hot water” (19.437-439). Eurycleia is now in the room with The Beggar preparing all items necessary for the washing of his feet. This shows proper Xenia because when a guest arrives they must provide a bath for the guest ; this meaning feet must be cleansed and a place to get well rested. Eurycleia did not think twice about whether or not to give the poor man Xenia Eurycleia immediately cleansed his feet showed him to a bed to get well
At this time the Suitors are at Penelope's palace all curious about when Odysseus is to come home. The Suitors are seen by Athena(Goddess) whom sees them looking quite carefree and well taken care of. “There she found the swaggering Suitors...just then amusing themselves… lounging on hides of oxen...while heralds and brisk attendants bustled around them” (1.124-127). Penelope has provided the Suitors with a great amount of food, entertainment, servants, and oxen. Penelope also has done so to provide great hospitality to those who have come seeking her help at her home. Penelope followed all rules of proper Xenia ; she respected the host and provided him what he …show more content…
When The Beggar arrives at Ithaca he wants and needs Xenia and Eurycleia is right there to provide him with guest friendship. Eurycleia welcomes The beggar right into a room and begins to provide proper Xenia. “The old woman took up a burnished basin/she used for washing feet and poured in bowls/of fresh cold water before she stirred in hot water” (19.437-439). Eurycleia is now in the room with The Beggar preparing all items necessary for the washing of his feet. This shows proper Xenia because when a guest arrives they must provide a bath for the guest ; this meaning feet must be cleansed and a place to get well rested. Eurycleia did not think twice about whether or not to give the poor man Xenia Eurycleia immediately cleansed his feet showed him to a bed to get well