Xenia Essay

It is said that the path to becoming an effective leader is a long and arduous journey. Leaders are thought to be individuals that are intelligent, cunning, and always thinking rationally to protect those beneath them. In Homer’s ancient epic, The Odyssey, and Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, both authors describe the fundamental tools that create effective leaders. However, the tactics that each author choose to present are far different. The Tao Te Ching in my opinion, best describes an ideal leader,…

Storms and Tranquility Chaos and calmness are examples of dichotomy; people and places can experience one or the other, but not both. In The Odyssey, chaos and calmness are recurring motifs that show the city of Ithaka after Odysseus leaves. The order of Ithaka eventually changes into a hectic place run by suitors. Also, the easiness of sea travel for Odysseus’ journey home stops as problems are created by the Gods. Transitions between order and disorder in The Odyssey depict the instability of…

they turned into pigs. She also tried the same with Odysseus himself, but it did not work because Hermes gave him a herb/potion so that he wouldn’t turn into a pig. Once she found out that he was Odysseus she then showed him gratitude, kindness and Xenia (hospitality). When Odysseus and his crew needed to leave to get back home, Circe was still helpful. “‘You must travel down to the House of Death and the awesome one, Persephone, there to consult the ghost of Tiresias, seer of Thebes, the great…

processes/aspects of special education. For this assignment, an individual who frequently interacts with children with some form of disability was asked a series of questions. Amy Edwards - a special education teacher at McKinley Elementary located in Xenia, Ohio was interviewed. Ms. Edwards first became interested in special education at a young age. The pastor at her church had a daughter with special needs. Ms. Edwards had the opportunity to get to know the daughter on a personal level and…

character.” When Eumaeus refers to Odysseus as his master even after his absence reveals his loyalty to him. Furthermore, by saying that his master would have ‘repaid’ him, it demonstrates that Odysseus is a good leader and that Eumaeus is showing xenia because it was a value he upheld. As a result, Odysseus is able to trust him and use his help in defeating the suitors. Homer illustrates another scene in which Eurycleia, another loyal Ithacan, recognizes Odysseus’ scar from when he was a child.…

Rage, the most destructive and insatiable form of anger, is the very first word of the Iliad. From the beginning to nearly the end, the plot is driven by the rage of a variety of characters, but one stands far apart from the others. The focus of this paper will be primarily on the greatest rage of them all, Achilles’. His wrath, the embodiment of his rage, is said to be, “Black and murderous,” (1:2), from the very first page. While other men and even the Gods also have rage, Achilles’ inability…

sorts of favors in all sorts of situations. Her actions highlight that she is forthcoming and beneficent helping Odysseus even when in disguise; she favors Odysseus and will do all she can so Odysseus can get back home. 14. THEME The major theme of xenia is shown by Alcinous when he meets Odysseus. He is very hospitable and suggests that “[Odysseus] could wed [his] daughter and [he’d] give [him] a house and great wealth–if [he] chose to stay”(7.358-360). Alcinous takes pride in being a good…

they they shared a common ancestor: ‘Let’s trade armor. The men must know our claim: we are sworn friends from our fathers’ days till now!’ (6. 276-7). As Aristocrats, their value of mutual reciprocity of hospitality and respect with one another (xenia), prevented them from battling one another. The two enemies established a friendship that transcended their differences (the fact that one was a Trojan and the other was an…

Things must be bad to bring you here, The Greeks I love best, even in my rage.” (9. 201-202) Although in rage, Achilles respects xenia and feeds his friends and gives them wine to drink. He listens as Odysseus, Phoenix, and Big Ajax deliver their speeches and tell him of Agamemnon’s offer. The speeches even mention Achilles’ cruelty, selfishness, and rage. Achilles denies Agamemnon’s…

person in order to succeed, similar to how Odysseus is disguised by Athena so he can return home and redeem himself of his kingdom. Athena enhances Odysseus’ image in order for him to ask for help. She covers his body in a mist to protect him from the xenia-phobic Phaeacians. Also, she changes him into a beggar in the interest of Odysseus traveling through Ithaca. Without the help of Athena’s disguises for Odysseus such as beautifying him, providing a mist on Odysseus’ body, and transforming him…