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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 7 page essay that examines the theme of gift giving and hospitality in Homer's ancient epic poem the Odyssey. In ancient Greek culture, hospitality addresses the relations that exist between a guest and host, and involves the mutual exchange not only of wealth, but also of knowledge. The conventions surrounding Greek notions of hospitality served a variety of cultural purposes. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khgghom.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
offered to Odysseus by generous hosts throughout his saga. In ancient Greek culture, hospitality addresses the relations that exist between a guest and host, and involves the mutual exchange not
only of wealth, but also of knowledge. The conventions surrounding Greek notions of hospitality served a variety of cultural purposes. First and foremost, hospitality was a way of pleasing the
gods, as all feasting described in the Odyssey indicates that generous libations to the gods were included. Additionally, however, it is a way of cementing relations between people, and thus
establishing bonds between people, families and political entities such as cities. The following examination of the theme of gift giving in the Odyssey explores this important aspect of ancient Greek
culture and the role that hospitality plays in this epic work. A primary factor in the rituals of hospitality, which include gift giving is the desire to please divine
forces. When Nestor welcomes Telemachus and Athena, he first of all urges them to pray and make offerings to Poseidon, which they do. When Nestor realizes that one of
his visitors is the goddess, he order the sacrifice of a "broad-browed heifer of a year old, unbroken and never yet brought by man under the yoke," saying also that
he will gild her horns as part of the sacrifice (Homer). Such sacrifices were meant as "gifts" to the gods, which were designed to ensure the givers prosperity and well-being.
The significance of hospitality and gift giving is also emphasized throughout the poem from the repeated references to Zeus as the patron god of supplicants and beggars. Homer writes
that "all strangers and beggars are from Jove (Roman name for Zeus)" (Homer). Guests were not only under Zeus protection, but, as evidenced several times in the Odyssey, it was
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