rable leader in Ithaca. Displaying xenia in this society was the only accepted code of moral conduct and was regarded as the golden rule of civility. In the insecure world of The Odyssey, hospitality, or lack of it in some cases, prove to be essential to not only Odysseus’ return to Ithaca, but to the welfare of all members of Homer‘s world.

Although the generosity that Telemachos receives from others exemplifies the cultural importance of hospitality, it is the welcome that the King’s son displays to others that made the return of his father possible. Throughout Telemachos’ coming of age, his character welcomes strangers with kindness and generosity, which he and his people highly benefit from this. In addition to maintaining an honorable family standing in the Ithaca community, Telemachos proves to have heroic qualities like his father and also establishes a strong relationship with the gods, particularly with the goddess Athena. Although Athena appears as a beggar, Telemachos warmly greets her with a kind welcome in the first book of the epic, “Greetings, stranger! Welcome to our feast. There will be time to tell your errand later.” (Odyssey 5). Telemachus cordially invites him to the feast without question. This reinforces the theme of hospitality, because in Greek myth, gods and goddesses often pose as strangers and beggars to test the people’s generosity. Therefore, people were inclined to treat others with hospitality. Those who treat others with generosity are often rewarded, such as Telemachos, who gains knowledge of his father and assistance from Athena. In Homer‘s story, it is evident that Telemachos represents the epitome of hospitality. In contrast to Telemachos’ generosity and kindness, the suitors represent the opposite of everything hospitality stands for.

While Odysseus struggles to return home after fighting in the Trojan War, his own son and wife are forced to go far beyond the customary expectations of hospitality. Ithaca’s long-standing tradition of generosity is crudely taken advantage of by a horde of suitors who take over Odysseus’ own house in his absence. The contrast between Telemachos and the suitors highlights their different characteristics, showing that Telemachos is a wonderful generous host, while the suitors are ravaging intruders. The suitors are constantly feasting and gorging themselves at the expense of Odysseus' household in hop

Some topics in this essay:
Penelope Telemachus, Odyssey Homer, Trojan War, Penelope Odysseus’, Ithaca Displaying, Athena Athena, Eteoneus King’s, Ithaca Odyssey’s, Telemachus Odysseus’, Throughout Telemachos’, greek culture, ancient greek, ancient greek culture, trojan war, return home, golden rule civility, telemachus odysseus’, throughout story, generosity people, odyssey telemachos, importance hospitality, telemachus odysseus’ son, cultural importance hospitality, bad hospitality,