The Importance Of Grecian Culture In Homer's Odyssey

Within Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, vary aspects of ancient Grecian culture are revealed throughout the actions of the characters and throughout the plot of the poem. Homer’s use of poetry and philosophy provides his audience with a sense of Grecian history while creating an entertaining piece of literature. The Greeks’ values and customs primary revolved around the mental, physical, religious aspects of the individual as well, as their view on life. The most prominent of the Grecian values was the mental aspect, Greek’s value an individual’s intellectual abilities. This is illustrated through Odysseus’s ability to maneuver intellectually throughout a lot of physical and mental barriers during his journey.

The focus on a man’s intellectual capability

“Xenia" is the term used to describe the virtue of showing generosity or courtesy to strangers of any condition and creating a genial relationship between host and guest (Shilling).” Hospitality has been experienced throughout the Odyssey were both Odysseus and Telemachus were shown a form of generosity. This is illustrated when Odysseus arrives at the shores of Scheria and is welcomed by the Phaeacians. Afterwards, the Phaeacians provided Odysseus with a stocked boat for his journey and sent him on his way. After Poseidon became aware of Odysseus’s encounter with the Phaecians, Poseidon turns the boat to stone and sinks it to the bottom of the ocean. Although Zeus usually rewards hospitality, he refuses to interfere with another god’s decision and wanted to avoid confrontation with his brother Poseidon. Hospitality is also highly appraised within today’s society but scarce. Within Irish families the common saying is “to ring the doorbell with your elbows” because when you visit someone, your hands should always be full of tokens of your appreciation, whether it be food, flowers or a