Through characters such as: Alkinoös, who offered Odysseus shelter; Nausikaa, who bathed and clothed him; and Nestor who prepared a feast for Odysseus, Homer is able to create a warm and comforting mood in his Epic Poem, The Odyssey. The hospitality shown by these characters was common courtesy in Ancient Greece, and though it would be rare to see an American invite a complete stranger into one's home, it would be instinctual for one of Greek culture to take that stranger in and offer them food, shelter, and protection without hesitation. Ancient Greek hospitality is strikingly different from what is seen in today’s society, but can be found all throughout The Odyssey. The first character who provided their hospitality was Nestor, King of Pylos.
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The King of Phaiakians offered the lost hero a place to stay as well as a grand feast in which he was the guest of honor. Alkinooö proclaims, “In due course we shall put our minds upon the means at hand to take him safely, comfortably, well and happily.” (Homer, VII, 206-208) Though Alkinoös is a highly ranked king, he still made it a priority to welcome Odysseus just as if he were a God. A final mark of true hospitality shows when Alkinoös provided his guest with a crew and ship to aid in his trip back to Ithaca. The hospitality shown by King Alkinoös was vital for Odysseus’ journey, and without it he might have never returned home. The importance of hospitality in Ancient Greek culture can be found in many examples throughout Homer’s, The Odyssey. Whether it be Alkinoös who shelters and feeds Odysseus, Nausikaa who bathes and clothes him, or Nestor who provides just about everything for Telémakhos’ journey, hospitable characters are found helping the lost hero and his son all throughout Homer’s Epic Poem, proving just how important generosity is to their
The King of Phaiakians offered the lost hero a place to stay as well as a grand feast in which he was the guest of honor. Alkinooö proclaims, “In due course we shall put our minds upon the means at hand to take him safely, comfortably, well and happily.” (Homer, VII, 206-208) Though Alkinoös is a highly ranked king, he still made it a priority to welcome Odysseus just as if he were a God. A final mark of true hospitality shows when Alkinoös provided his guest with a crew and ship to aid in his trip back to Ithaca. The hospitality shown by King Alkinoös was vital for Odysseus’ journey, and without it he might have never returned home. The importance of hospitality in Ancient Greek culture can be found in many examples throughout Homer’s, The Odyssey. Whether it be Alkinoös who shelters and feeds Odysseus, Nausikaa who bathes and clothes him, or Nestor who provides just about everything for Telémakhos’ journey, hospitable characters are found helping the lost hero and his son all throughout Homer’s Epic Poem, proving just how important generosity is to their