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  • Essay / Xenia and hospitality in Homer's Odyssey - 1188

    People who fear the gods are generally very hospitable, because the traveler in their home could be a god in disguise. This may seem confusing, since the concept of xenia lies in hospitality and the relationship between guest and host, but it seems that most only show kindness because they do not want to face the wrath of gods. , or even because they want a blessing from the gods in return. All festivals first begin with an offering to a god, which automatically indicates whether or not someone fulfills Xenia. An example of very good hospitality is shown when Telemakhos goes on a journey with Athena (in disguise, of course) and ends up in Nestor's house.