Odyssey

Hoffman 1

Hospitality in The Odyssey As in many Greek and Roman novels as well as in the history of Greece and Rome, the hospitality rule is always very prominent and also very important. The Odyssey is no exception to this hospitality rule. In The Odyssey there are many examples showing how this rule works. Most of the examples come from Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca as well as some when he returns home. There are many examples that show and explain that not all people practice the hospitality rule with Odysseus but those who do definitely practice it well. On Odysseus’ journey he experienced this welcoming hospitality from King Alcinous as well as characters that he met for the first time or ones that he already knew. He also came across a character that was only hospitable to him after he was in control of her. Odysseus does meet some characters that show what it means to be inhospitable as well. With all these characters it will be easy to understand how the hospitality rule works, and also some of the qualities associated with it; as well as how people may have acted during Homer’s time. Out of all the characters that Odysseus comes into contact with the most hospitable one is King Alcinous. He is a perfect example of what the hospitality rule encompasses as well as what the important aspects of it are. The moment that Odysseus reaches King Alcinous he is already considered a friend even though he is a stranger. He is led into the palace by King Alcinous and is taken straight to the dining hall. Of course, the first aspect of hospitality is being welcomed into the home and being fed. The stranger is also treated as a long time friend and companion. Even though King Alcinous loves his son very dearly, he is still willing to displace his son with this stranger that he does not even know (7.201-202). This shows that the host is willing to accommodate the stranger before his family. Along with King Alcinous, there

Hoffman 2

are other characters that...