what is the significance of the plot of xenia

A detailed Summary of what is the significance of the plot of xenia

Ancient Greece is known for its beautiful theaters and its skilled poets. One of the most famous ones at that time and famous even now is Homer. Nobody knows who he actually is but the works that he has created are far more than magnificent. The Odyssey and The Iliad are two poems that turned into myths, have actually been accepted as part of the history of the Greeks. The Odyssey is a story about a hero from the Trojan War who struggles to get home to his family and when he finally does he faces the suitors who he fights and defeats with the help of the gods and his son who he hasn't seen for around twenty years. The gradual development of the plot, the actual, end of the book is easily noticed. A big role in that development plays hospitality or as Homer calls it the xenia. Odysseus' journey on his way back to his island Ithaca contains numerous details about hospitality and what it is to be a good or a bad host. His voyage is based on the kindness and the warmth of the people. There are gods and humans, and giants that do not appreciate the hero but he deals with them and we meet with the actual plot of the story, his homecoming.

Warmth and kindness are presented within every visit described in the book. Homer draws a very

Really significant are the Phaiakians. Without their help Odysseus would have never been home in time to organize the murder of the foolish suitors and take his place as a leader of the Ithacans. Alkinoos and Arete, king and queen of the Phaiakians, show such good hospitality. They entertain and feed the tired and

The suitors do not deserve the food that is being served to them because of their cruelty towards the host and the hostess. That is the reason Odysseus plans their murder right before they eat so that can be emphasized. The "good food" falls on the ground when Odysseus' arrows strike the suitors and their blood mixes with it. May be Homer felt sorry for the suitors and he, through the mix of dirty blood and "good food" purifies the suitors and cleans their souls.

them who they are, now they have had the pleasure of eating...'"¹

they give him gifts and they take him to his homeland. There, Athena changes his physical appearance so he can plan his revenge on the suitors. The first one he meets with after his return is Eumaios and that visit helps him find out about the suitors the situation in the palace. Eumaios is really warm to Odysseus even though he doesn't recognize him. He shows good hospitality and he explains how much he misses his master and that he dislikes the suitors. Odysseus' mask that Athena creates helps him recognize the people still loyal to him and Eumaios is one of these people. In this visit Telemachos finally meets his long gone father.

a fool before, but now you are babbling nonsense, as a child

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1478
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English