Hospitality to The Greeks

Introduction to Greek Hospitality

The Greeks pride themselves on hospitality and prioritize the needs of their guests, regardless of their identity. This cultural trait is vividly demonstrated in the ancient texts, such as when Telemachus visited Nestor in Pylos. Despite not knowing who Telemachus was, Nestor treated him with great honor and respect. "Now is the time," he said, "for a few questions, now that our young guests have enjoyed their dinner. Who are you, strangers? Where are you sailing from, and where to, down the highways of sea water?" (Homer, trans. 1996, p. 73). If Greeks were ever to serve themselves before their guests or even treat themselves a little better, they would break the most basic of all Greek customs. This tradition of hospitality was passed down from generation to generation, and breaking it would bring embarrassment and dishonor upon the home.

The Importance of Hospitality in the Odyssey

Having learned and practiced Greek rituals for many years, Odysseus, his shipmates, and Telemachus became highly reliant on Greek tradition, especially the practice of treating all guests with great hospitality. Numerous times, Odysseus would not have made it back to his wife and kingdom if not for the Greek tradition he relied on. After being at sea for seventeen days on a self-constructed raft, Odysseus spotted land. Poseidon then brought about a terrible storm, which wrecked his raft. After two days of battling life-threatening waves, Odysseus was finally helped by a sea nymph onto the shore of Scheria. Upon reaching the shore, he kissed the earth, crawled under some olive trees, and fell asleep.

Later, Princess Nausicaa and her young friends went to the shore of Scheria to wash their clothes. While playing ball, they woke up Odysseus. In a tactful speech, he praised Nausicaa's beauty and asked for her help. The girls washed, fed, and clothed him. Impressed with his manliness, Nausicaa told him how to get into town and appeal to her mother for even greater hospitality. Queen Arete and King Alcinous provided Odysseus with the best they had and showed him immense hospitality. The King even offered his daughter's hand in marriage or assistance in returning home. Nearest his throne, the son whom he loved best, Laodamas, had long held place; now the king bade him rise and gave his shining chair to Lord Odysseus. A serving maid poured water for his hands from a gold pitcher into a silver bowl and spread a polished table at his side; the mistress of provisions came with bread and other victuals, generous with her store. So, Lord Odysseus drank and tasted supper (Homer, trans. 1996, p. 356). The next day, Alcinous also ordered a feast and an athletic contest to be held in honor of the stranger. If Odysseus had not received the courtesy that the people of Scheria showed him, he might not have been able to return to his family and kingdom.

The Perils of Misplaced Trust

Odysseus was deceived several times by his assumption that he and his crew would be cared for with the same Greek hospitality and kindness they were accustomed to. One such example was when Odysseus landed on the island of Cyclops. After landing, Odysseus and twelve of his shipmates entered the Cyclops' lair, expecting to receive food and provisions. They helped themselves to the giant's food and built a fire while waiting for him to return home. Odysseus said, "Here we stand, beholden for your help, or any gifts you give—as custom is to honor strangers" (Homer, trans. 1996, p. 381). Instead of offering help or gifts, the great one-eyed giant, Polyphemus, trapped Odysseus and his twelve shipmates in his lair, blocking their escape with a massive boulder. His intentions were to make an appetizing meal out of them. That night, Polyphemus ate two of Odysseus' men for dinner. After Polyphemus ate two more men the next morning, Odysseus and his six surviving shipmates devised and executed a carefully laid scheme to escape safely. After plunging a heated stake into his eye, they disguised themselves as sheep and were able to slip past the one-eyed giant. This experience taught Odysseus and his shipmates not to be overly dependent on others. Had they not relied on Cyclops to provide them with food and provisions, they could have saved many lives and avoided much trouble.

The Role of Athena in Odysseus' Journey

In most cases, the Greek tradition of hospitality saved Odysseus and helped him return home to his wife, son, and kingdom. Even though people from many different kingdoms and islands took Odysseus into their homes and showed him great kindness, the individual who helped him most was the goddess Athena. On many occasions, Athena assisted Odysseus. One such example is when Odysseus was fighting the suitors, and they threw spears at him. "Re-forming, the suitors threw again with all their strength, but Athena turned their shots, or all but two" (Homer, trans. 1996, p. 566). Another instance in which Athena aided Odysseus was when she disguised him as a beggar upon his arrival to his homeland. "Would even you have guessed that I am Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus, I that am always with you in times of trial, a shield to you in battle" (Homer, trans. 1996, p. 444). "Your goddess-guardian to the end in all your trials" (Homer, trans. 1996, p. 539).

Conclusion

The Greek tradition of hospitality was a cornerstone of ancient Greek culture, providing safety, aid, and honor to those in need. It was this tradition, along with divine assistance, that enabled Odysseus to overcome numerous challenges and return home. His journey illustrates the importance of kindness and generosity, values that continue to resonate in our modern world.

References

Homer. (1996). The Odyssey (R. Fagles, Trans.). New York, NY: Penguin Books.