Importance Of Xenia In The Odyssey

In The Odyssey, there is a cultural rule called xenia, and it is the idea of welcoming a stranger into one’s home. There are four main parts in xenia: welcoming the stranger in without asking any questions, bathing them, giving them food and drink, and giving them a gift as they leave. In the 21st Century, there are some parts of xenia that should apply, and some parts that should not. Though some practices of xenia are archaic, parts of xenia still remain, showing how it should still affect the 21st Century. One aspect of xenia that should still apply is providing a guest with food or drink. Without this, Odysseus would have run out of food and be unable to return to Ithaca. When he and his crew arrive at the cyclop’s cave, they expect the cyclops to show them some xenia with food and drink. Odysseus says, “We’re at your knees in hope of a warm welcome, even a …show more content…
The most significant part that should not apply is the welcoming of a random stranger into one’s house without asking any questions. The United States vetting process shows the welcoming of a random person into one’s country (or home) without asking questions is archaic. Author Mostafa Hassoun recounts his story of the process to get into the US. He writes “Over 15 months I was interviewed 5 times - in person, over the phone, by the United Nations and by the United States...by the time I received my offer to live in the United States, the US officials in charge of my case knew me better than my family and my friends do,” (Source E). The concept of letting random people into one’s house (or country) is outdated and should not apply in the 21st Century, as it is dangerous and ill-minded. It is not necessary or beneficial to risk one’s safety by not asking questions and letting a stranger into their house. Although it was a common practice during Ancient Greece, it should not apply in modern