Lorent D Espinoza

Journal of Classical Literature

The Odyssey: The importance of Hospitality; best host in the Poem

The theme of hospitality in The Odyssey is of extremely importance. The Odyssey is an anthem

to one of the most honored ancient Greek societys value, as was hospitality. Hospitality tended

to bond Greeks personal relationship, such as friendship and at the same time loyalty; it

symbolizes respect, honor, and justices. Although most of the host from The Odyssey did honor

their guesses, Odysseus and his son Telemakhus, the most remarkable examples of genuine

hospitality in the poem are three. Nestor of Pylos and Menelos lord of Sparta, they gave a

great welcome to Odysseuss son Tlemakhus. At Pylos, Nestor feasted with him and offered

libation to the gods for his guess, then send one of his son to help the boy on his quest. When

Tlemakhus arrives to Sparta seeking news of his father, Menelos treats him with honors and

offered him gifts. The second example is when Odysseus arrives to the Phaiakianss country.

Alknos and his daughter Nausikaa gave a warm welcome to Odysseus. The last example

comes from a servant from his own land Ithaka, by Eumanios. Most of the various host in the

rendered the proper hospitality honor to the guess but from the three main examples the best

host was Alknos and his daughter Nausikaa. Princess Nausikaa gave him food to satisfy his

stomach and put him clothes to cover his naked body, advised him about the attitude of the

citizens toward visitors. The Phaiakians preferred not to have contact with others, so for that

reason he might not be welcomed in the kings halls as a guess; as for the princess, she saw no

evil on Odysseus and that is why she gave him a warm welcome. Stranger, there is no quirk or

evil in you that I can see. You know Zeus metes out fortune to good and bad men as he

pleases him. Hardship he sent to you and you must bear it. But now that you have taken
refuge here, you shall not lack for clothing or any other comfort due to a poor man in distress

(Book VI, 200-205). Odysseuss success obtaining hospitality from the Phaiakians king,

Alknos was because he followed Nausikaas advices. She counsels him that in order to gain

her father favors Odysseus must first honor the queen. On my mothers feeling much depends;

if she looks on you kindly, you shall see your friends under your own roof in your fathers

country (Book VI, 330-332). After Odysseus left Kalypso Island, it was for him very important to

obtain a warm welcome in the first place where he arrives; to keep high his morale, and gain

confidence to continue his journey home. After Odysseus pleaded to Art the queen, Alknos

the king gave him the seat of honor, a silver-studded chair that belonged to his beloved son

Ladamas. The Phaiakians honored Odysseus highly, without knowing who he was, they

provided a fast ship and escorts to his journey back home, they gave him gifts, fine and rich

clothes, and gold. Alknos gave him a beautiful wine cup for libation to the gods, so that way

Odysseus would remember him every time he offered a sacrifice to the gods. When Odysseus

was about to leave, he tell the Phaiakians his true story. Alknos the king recalled at that

moment what his father long foretold. The king knew that the fifty-two young men that were

escorting his guess Odysseus to Ithaka, would not return home. Poseidon would punish the

Phaiakians wrecking their fast ship for escorting and helping Odysseus on his way back home.

Even knowing that what his father once foretold was true Alknos fulfill his word and send his

guess back home.

The worst host is the Cyclops Polyphmos, Poseidons son, to whom Odysseus asked

hospitality and some gifts. Polyphmos told Odysseus he would not care to honor Zeus offering

him hospitality, because he was not afraid of the god. Then when Odysseus gave, the Cyclop

wine and Polyphmos ask for more later, he promise Odysseus the gift of hospitality and ask his

name, Odysseus trick him suspecting the Cyclop will not fulfill his word. Odysseus was right

because the answer he got from the monster was, Nohbdys my meat, then, after I eat his
friends. Others come first. Theres a noble, gift now (Book IX, 385-387) to avenge his friends

and escape from the cave Odysseus blinds the Polyphmos. The Cyclop in pain calls his father

for help. Since Polyphmos was Poseidon favor son he enraged against Odysseus and his

companions; that the reason why he punished Odysseus to wander over twenty years in the sea

before he made his way back home.

Work Cited:

Lawall, Sarah; general editor The Norton Anthology of World Literature 2nd ed., Vol. A.; W. W

Norton Company Inc; NY, New York; 2002 The Odyssey; (p.225-530)