Theme Of Hospitality In The Odyssey

There are different adaptations that display different themes such as the Atwood’s Penepaloid. It is important to note the theme is hospitality is widely explored the different adaptations in varying lengths. For instance, Nausaka states, “But now, since it is our land and our city that you have come to, you shall not lack for clothing nor anything else, of those gifts which should befall the unhappy suppliant on his arrival. Such a statement indicates that hospitality was highly valued among the Greeks in the Odyssey as well as in its adaptations. In the Atwood’s penelopaid, hospitality is expressed by stressing that it was the always the tradition of the Greeks to treat visitors or guests with hospitality. The host is expected to offer help in the best manner possible as shown by Nestor who provides shelter as well as food.

Further, assistance provided includes a horse and Nestor’s assistance to take Telemachus through the journey. Both the quests and the host are expected to play different roles in the relationship so as to maintain a compassionate and helpfulness relationship. Telemachus always handles the people he comes across with respect and hospitality hence helping him to attain the same respect and hospitality in return. Different people help him to get information concerning his father so that he can continue with the objective of his journey. Like Odysseus in the Oddessey, Olivia is struggling and overcomes the challenges subjected to him hence achieving his objective. Many would argue that hospitality is not a major theme in Odessey and the retellings because not all situations show that Odysseus was welcomed well. Although this is understandable, it is important to note that there are many areas in which he was welcome as compared to where he was rejected or treated unfairly.

Further, he was offered a party as part of celebrating his achievements by the Phoenicians. In all the retellings, there are several situations that attract hospitality hence displaying that it is one of the major themes. There are diverse and equally many themes in The Odyssey, but the most dominant theme that Homer shows in his epic poem is hospitality. The act of hospitality was perhaps the most important Greek custom because it is performed throughout Odysseus’ journey home. The Odyssey was a twenty-year long journey of King Odysseus return to Ithaca as he had been battling in the Trojan War. The theme of hospitality is present as Odysseus travels from city to city including at his home in Ithaca, where his wife and son, Penelope and Telemachus’, the palace is being overrun with suitors.

During Odysseus’ difficult journey home, he was welcomed by several kings displaying Xenia. Hospitality was so important in the Ancient Greek’s lives that they obeyed their tradition even if it may have displeased them. After Odysseus returned to Ithaca and went to the swineherd disguised. Eumaeus invites him in, feeds him, and gives him a place to sleep. The text reads “Not his style to bed indoors, apart from the pigs. He geared up to go outside and it warmed Odysseus’ heart”. The Odyssey taught young schoolboys how to act, and it is obvious that hospitality was a key component to a Greeks everyday life. Work cited Atwood, Margaret.  The Penelopiad. Vol. Canongate Books, 2003.