The Odessy Hospitality to Stranger s

There seems to be some reoccurring themes throughout Ancient Greek literature, one of them being hospitality to strangers. The Odessy gives us many different examples of this concept throughout the different books. Throughout his journey Odyseuss was presented with many forms of hospitality from strangers in different lands. "Since you have come to our country, you shall not lack clothing, nor anything needed by a sore-tried suppliant who presents himself. I will show you where the city is." (Homer, 90) This was said by Princess Nausicca, after Odyseuss found himself on the land of the Phaeacians. 

There is another journey that Odyseuss takes that makes us take a further look into hospitality is his relationship he developed with Calypso. " With wine that ran black, another large one With water, and tucked into a duffel A generous supply of hearty provisions." (Homer, 77) The relationship he formed with Calypso was a close one, with her caring for Odyseuss and making sure he was provided with everything needed while staying with her from food, to shelter, to clothing, and supplies. 

Both of these examples relate directly to my last journal entry in that I proceeded to state that hospitality to strangers is something of importance, and that we should strive to remain hospitable when meeting new people. All these individuals who helped Odyseuss, did it in order to maintain good relations with him, and try to alieviate the burdens he would encounter during his journey. This relates back to never fully knowing what someone is going through, and how by showing them the slightest bit of hospitality can go a long way.