Ancient Greek’s regarded hospitality with great importance in their culture. Being a good host was a reflection of power, as well as a form of honoring the gods, especially Zeus—who was associated with xenia. Xenia extended past hospitality rather it was a form of proper behavior between individuals, both host and guest. This mutual trust helped establish and create bonds. These bonds were often created through eating; food was associated with bonding and power, eating was seen as a luxury and a form of honoring the gods and themselves. Eating went beyond the general statement of cultural tradition to the representations of punishment as a result of surrendering to temptation which was a testament to the strength and self-restraint of an individual; food was sacred in this culture and illustrated the societal views and standards.
The distinctiveness of xenia is often depicted through great hospitality that is prominent in Greek culture. The importance of eating and all its multiple meanings, are illustrated in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” In this epic Homer portrays a more domestic lifestyle, providing …show more content…
Polyphemus is analogous to the suitors, both of which abuse xenia. The suitor’s gluttony is punished upon the eventual return of Odysseus, who slaughters them without much thought as they did his livestock. While food functions to depict Odysseus wealth, it exhibits the dual meaning as it also tempts the suitors into “living an easy life/ scot free, eating the livestock of another,” (The Odyssey, I.197-198). For minor characters, falling for food temptation means death yet Odysseus’ god-like nature surpasses simple temptations. With feast often being depicted as the welcoming of guest, it is in the end Odysseus’ heroic return while the suitor’s feast that depicts a full circle of how food can be a temptation and those who indulge will be
The distinctiveness of xenia is often depicted through great hospitality that is prominent in Greek culture. The importance of eating and all its multiple meanings, are illustrated in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” In this epic Homer portrays a more domestic lifestyle, providing …show more content…
Polyphemus is analogous to the suitors, both of which abuse xenia. The suitor’s gluttony is punished upon the eventual return of Odysseus, who slaughters them without much thought as they did his livestock. While food functions to depict Odysseus wealth, it exhibits the dual meaning as it also tempts the suitors into “living an easy life/ scot free, eating the livestock of another,” (The Odyssey, I.197-198). For minor characters, falling for food temptation means death yet Odysseus’ god-like nature surpasses simple temptations. With feast often being depicted as the welcoming of guest, it is in the end Odysseus’ heroic return while the suitor’s feast that depicts a full circle of how food can be a temptation and those who indulge will be