With this personal narrative, I will analyze two themes from Homer’s epic’s pertaining to the Iliad and the Odyssey. I have chosen hospitality (Xenia) and shame (Aidos) as the subject of interest, and will focus on these as a main source of the topic. Xenia is the ancient Greek word for “hospitality”, which is the consideration and kindness shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing xenia upon them. The rituals of hospitality created and conveyed a reciprocal
The Odyssey, the classic epic poem annotated by Homer has been retold for centuries since it was first written in the 8th century. Each of these retellings differs from the others, they seem to leave things out or have their own little spin on them, but more or less they run along the same story line. Homer's epic poem the odyssey tells the story of the famous greek hero Odysseus. Odysseus was one of the greatest fighters in the trojan war, but unfortunately was challenged with many trials before
Xenia is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, the generosity shown to those who are far from home. Xenia is an important theme in the Odyssey – it is shown in the numerous characters, whether royal or monstrous, that Telemachus and Odysseus encounter, and could be shown as willingly given and wanted hospitality, unwanted/overwhelming, or unwillingly given; these encounters can also show lack of hospitality. This essay will discuss what xenia was to the ancient Greeks, and how this virtue was
Ancient Greeks Homers epic poem, The Odyssey, tells the tale of the Greek hero, Odysseus’s ten-year struggle to reach home after the Trojan war. While this poem mentions many mythological themes, Homer includes factual information about ancient Greeks and their way of life. He details their culture though the plot and characters of the story, using his skill as a poet to inform readers about the achievements, values and culture of the Greeks. Religion, xenia and loyalty all play a large part in the
Hospitality has been around and important to cultures for almost forever. In the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, there are many themes, but the theme of hospitality reoccurs throughout the entire epic. This epic takes place in Ancient Greece after the Trojan War. The main character, Odysseus, is on a journey back home to Ithaca after being away for ten years. Along the way, he must make stops and stays in the homes of the different people during his journey. The individuals that are hosting the stranger
Liam Johnston English Ms. Payzant 9 December 2014 Odyssey Essay If you have been through high school, then you have probably read The Odyssey. A blind man named Homer wrote The Odyssey in Ancient Greek times. The book is about a man named Odysseus who has just finished fighting in the Trojan War and needs to return home. He goes through a series of trials on a quest to return to his wife and be the king of Ithaca once again. This book is still important today because it develops complex reading, teaches
One of the most important themes in the Odyssey is the concept of Xenia, which in Greek means hospitality. Hospitality in the time of Homer is not the same hospitality you get in hotels today. Xenia or hospitality is a way of life, and how you treat your guests was tied to your religion and was guarded by Zeus. Examples of xenia would be allowing guests into your home, feeding your guests a meal, offering your guest gifts, and allowing your guest to rest in your residence among other things. This
Gift Giving in The Odyssey Everyone loves to receive gifts. For some it makes them feel special or important. In the Odyssey gift giving can be seen as sign of respect. Xenia, an important aspect to Homeric society, can be described as the guest-host relationship. It was of importance in Homeric society because it was something that could make or break the relationship you have with someone. Throughout the Odyssey xenia influences those who Odysseus comes into contact with impacting the plot
poems are very important when a person is trying to learn more about a certain culture or era in which the poem was written. Two of the most famous epic poems are Beowulf and The Odyssey. Although no two poems are exactly them same, Beowulf and The Odyssey do share a few similarities. Between Beowulf and The Odyssey, the most salient similarity they share is the way the monsters from the epics are symbolic and challenge
that arose during1600 BC. It was during this time that Ancient Greece began to take form, in both cultural and religious aspects. Historians often refer to this period as Mycenaean, but due to the culture and values embodied in Homer’s poem, The Odyssey, it is also known as the Homeric Age. In Homer’s world, society consisted of city-states controlled by well-respected Kings. The Homeric Age also focused on the importance of religion where all regions participated in sacrificial tributes to the Gods