Hospitality in the Odyssey

Hospitality in Homer’s Odyssey is a central theme of the epic poem. Throughout the story, we are given scenarios in which hospitality, both on the part of the guest and the host, plays a key role in the events that transpire immediately afterward. This tradition, evident in Greek mythology and custom, serves many purposes as the epic unravels. Through exploration of these scenes, we will discover things about Greek customs, character differences, and the …

…revenge of the gods against mortals, or the act of Odysseus’ reclaiming his home, justice is well served. This ties in well with what the theme of hospitality means to the story. Homer wishes to teach his audience about right and wrong. The story is designed to show that turning your back on someone in need is wrong, and is against human nature in general. A universally simple theme perhaps, but important and predominant nonetheless.