Essay Homers Hospitality - 1386 Words

Mycenaean civilization was a golden age of splendour that arose during1600 BC. It was during this time that Ancient Greece began to take form, in both cultural and religious aspects. Historians often refer to this period as Mycenaean, but due to the culture and values embodied in Homer’s poem, The Odyssey, it is also known as the Homeric Age. In Homer’s world, society consisted of city-states controlled by well-respected Kings. The Homeric Age also focused on the importance of religion where all regions participated in sacrificial tributes to the Gods. Unlike today’s modern society, methods of travel were very limited in the 1600s. Mycenaeans’ relied on sea travel as their main way of transportation. Due to this, journeys were much†¦show more content†¦For inquires made of the stranger’s history is not spoken of until after the feast. As stated previously, hospitality was often as result of trying to attain a good reputation. With a goo d reputation, society viewed one higher on the social hierarchy. It is during the guest’s departure from the host’s home where the creation of good reputation is put into action. During the farewells, the act of gift-giving of the finest and most valuable items is presented to the guests by the host. Through the act of gift-giving, one’s reputation was seen as wealthy, kind, generous, and more importantly, honourable. The basis of social standing was primarily based on the ability give gifts. This is apparent when Telemachos departs from Menelaus’s home and is presented with an abundance of gifts. While giving Telemachos a mixing bowl Menelaus states that the bowl â€Å"is of silver, all but the edges, and these are finished in gold. This is the work of Hephaestus. Courageous Phà ¦dimus, the king of Sidon, gave me this bowl when, on my homeward, I was his welcome guest† (Od. 15. 115-120). The significance of the quotation is that one sees how Mene laus is spreading the reputation of Phaedimus, who was a good host to him, as well as exhibiting his own generosity for offering such a valuable item. So if anyone was to inquire about the origin of the mixingShow MoreRelatedThe Importance of Hospitality Illustrated in Homers Odyssey Essay1708 Words   |  7 PagesHomer, where hospitality and good will are the way of things. As decreed by Zeus himself, those who wish the favor of the Gods must welcome foreign and domestic with hospitality. A man was supposed to offer the best of his food, his home, and his knowledge before ever asking for his guest’s name or why he was there. There is a sense that those of high status are the main givers of hospitality, but they are not the only ones commanded to offer hospitality. Homer emphasizes hospitality from everyoneRead MoreAnalysis Of Homer s Odyssey, The Epic Of The Classical Era Essay1585 Words   |  7 PagesPaper Assignment 1 Prompt 1 Homer’s Odyssey is one of the many epic of the classical era to give an detailed overlook on the relationship between humans and gods. Odyssey is not just an adventure story about a king struggling to get back home after having gone to war; nor is it one about a son searching for his father after rumors say that he has been dead for many years. The events that take place in Homer’s Odyssey are heavily influenced by the Greek Gods. One can see how the gods interactionRead MoreHomer s Epic Poems, The Iliad And The Odyssey1254 Words   |  6 Pagespresenting multiple struggles that our characters must go through. Homer’s epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are thousands of years old. Yet, whoever reads these pieces of literature today can somehow relate to its characters and events. 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In different phases of the poetry, the use of symbolism and dimensions ofRead MoreThe Odyssey1243 Words   |  5 PagesThe Odyssey In Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, each culture treats strangers and guests with distinct differences from every other culture. One of the most hospitable cultures was that of the ancient Greeks, exemplified in Homer s The Odyssey by both gracious hosts and guests. In Greece and The Odyssey, not only was good hospitality etiquette expected, but the added pressure that if they didn’t treat their guests with respect the gods would punish them further compelled excellent manners. The Odyssey