The Xenia Thread

Xenia, the ancient Greek concept of hospitality played a very large role in the story of the Odyssey. As a backbone, the concept is mirrored in both positive and negative light. Remove the existence of Xenia from the story, and the essence of the Odyssey will dissipate before your eyes.

        The first representation of Xenia rests in the beginning of the story. We find many men troubling Telemachus as they attempt to be suitors for his mother, though she remains loyal to her husband Odysseus.

        Telemachus expresses his vexation to the disguised Athena when he states, “They are eating us out of house and home, and will kill me someday (p. 248).”

        Due to the cultural respect of the concept of Xenia, Telemachus is unable to remove these men from his father’s home. His mother is not entertaining the suitors but remains loyal to her belief that Odysseus is alive and will yet return home. The “suitors” bank on Telemachus’ obligation to Xenia and remain comfortable in the home of Odysseus.

        This becomes an aggregant thread throughout the story from the beginning of the tale to the climax itself.

        In the case of the men seeking to be suitors, the honor of Xenia became a negative for Telemachus as he endeavored to uphold the honor of his Father’s house. However, there are points in the story where Odysseus could not have survived without it.

        Nausicaa was aroused by Athena (once more employing disguise) to rise from her slumber and wash her clothing. At the river, her path crosses the broken form of Odysseus: having washed upon the river’s shore the night before “On hands and knees. The sea had broken his spirit. His whole body was swollen…He lay scarcely alive (p. 282-283)...”

        Awakening to the sound of Nausicaa and her maids, Odysseus found himself broken and covered in brine. Nausicaa provided him with elements of oil and clothing so he may once more be presentable and hence represented Xenia to a strong degree. “Get ready now, stranger…So I can show you the way to my father’s house…if you want to see your homeland soon (p. 291-293)...”

        Nausicaa is aware of Odysseus’ great need for her mercy. His spirit, broken by the sea (p. 282) had left him nothing to do beside lay naked, covered in brine on the bank, where he lay waiting for the light of Dawn. The card of Xenia was used by this young woman to save the life of Odysseus, restoring his vitality so he was once more ready for travel. She knows well what she is doing as she offers the hospitality of her father’s house. It is reflected in her words upon Odysseus’ departure, “Farewell, stranger, and remember me in your native land. I saved your life (p. 294).”

        Without Xenia, Telemachus would have thrown out the stated suitors from his presence. He would have upheld the honor of his father and of his mother as she remained loyal, awaiting Odysseus’ return. Odysseus would have perhaps not survived his travels without the hospitality of several characters along his journey. As he arrived home, there would have been no men awaiting the slaughter of Odysseus. As stated, remove the thread of Xenia, and the entire essence of the Odyssey dissipates before your eyes.

        The honor within the concept of Xenia comes as one must view all guests as possible gods. It allows a traveler to be treated with utmost respect and hospitality. One may travel more often if the code of Xenia were present in our Western world. I am moved by this possibility. I am intrigued with the entirety of the elements Xenia added to the story of the Odyssey. Without it, the story simply would not remain.