Discuss the role of xenia (the guest-host relationship) in The Odyssey. How do guests and/or hosts exemplify or fail to meet the high standard he has in mind for how guests and hosts should treat each other?

In Ancient Greek, the role of Xenia played a huge role in society. Both the guest and host bore responsibilities. The guest must be courteous and not be a burden. The host must be hospitable to provide food, drink, and shelter. In the Odyssey, there are examples of both good and bad guest-host relationships. A bad example of Xenia was with Polyphemus and the cyclops. Polyphemus was not a good host because he was not hospitable and tried to eat his guests. Odysseus was not a good guest because he killed his host, but this was to save his own life. A good example of Xenia was with the Phaeacians. Odysseus followed Nausicca’s instructions and found Queen Arete. Arete recognized Odysseus’ clothes and investigated further. After Odysseus explained his story, Alcinous was so impressed by him that he offered Odysseus his daughter’s hand in marriage. Alcinous also provided a ship for Odysseus so that he can return home to Ithaca. Afterwards, the Phaeacians threw a feast and celebration of games in honor of their guest.