Cover Letter

In this essay I was hoping to prove how the importance of rituals, whether its sacrifices to the Gods or hospitality, is partially based on the influence the Gods have on people’s lives. They can influence the course of action you take, the decisions you make, whether you suffer, or even normal routine such as sleep.  Rituals are believed to be based on beliefs and religion. Throughout the Odyssey we see several examples of how the Gods intervene in mortals’ lives. The conclusion I arrived at was that these rituals, particularly the sacrifices to the Gods, are out of fear that they’ll be punished. If sacrifices aren’t made to them, then they risk repercussion concluding that it is part of rituals because in a sense it is enforced as such. On the other hand, hospitality rituals in the text are beyond what we’d expect in today’s norm. Providing your guest with courtesy and accommodation is what we are used to but not luxurious gifts or anything of the sort. Hospitality is a custom that speaks of the character of the person whose home is being visited. In some examples described in the book we see these positive demonstrations of generosity but there were some instances where we see the complete opposite. The hospitality that the people give shows their morality and beliefs. As I revise this writing, I need to work on showing more concise analysis on how each piece of evidence makes a point and supports it. I think another thing that may need more work on could be connecting the pieces of evidence.

Theme – Rituals

The value of rituals, including hospitality, is an essential theme within the Odyssey as it is a symbol of the interaction between mortals and the Gods. The people are always offering sacrifices to the Gods. When it comes to hospitality within the Odyssey, if someone is visiting a home they are provided immediately with food, drinks, and sometimes bedding. But the nature and reason behind these rituals is questionable; whether it’s because it has always been their method of religious tradition or because they’re aware of the Gods capabilities. Rituals are part of mortals’ everyday lives but the question is, is it out of sincere desire or out of enforcement?

Gods are deeply involved in the mortals’ lives to the point sacrifices are constantly made to them, perhaps out of fear of repercussion. An instance in which sacrifices are offered occurs in Pg. 408 where Alcinous, Lord of the Phaeacians, tells his herald, “Pontonous, mix the bowl and serve wine to all, so we may pour libations also to Zeus, Lord of Thunder, who walks beside suppliants.” (Pg. 408) Pouring libations, sacrificing animals, and prayers to the Gods are so common among the people it is part of their customs. Their rituals can be out of tradition or because of the high involvement of the Gods in their lives. Throughout the Odyssey we see constant reverence to the Gods on the belief that if they don’t do so they’ll upset them and be punished. Such example is shown in Pg. 373 when Menelaus tells Telemachus and his companion of the time when he failed to offer sacrifice to the Gods. He recalls by saying, “I was in Egypt, held up by the gods, because I failed to offer them sacrifice. The gods never allow us to forget them.” His choice of words is interesting because he states to what degree the Gods affect their choices and behavior. The words “never allow us to forget them” gives the impression that if a mortal were to not offer sacrifices then the Gods would unleash their displeasure and possibly anger. Menelaus also states “A good sailing breeze never rose up, and all my supplies would have been exhausted, and my crew spent, had not one of the gods taken pity on me and saved me.” (Pg. 373) This brings up an important thing to note; the Gods can manipulate a person’s life to their will. If one God inflicts conflict and obstructs a mortal’s path another may come along and intervene to save them.

The Gods play a significant role in influencing people’s path of life. Their influence can range from a simple small decision to whether a person lives or dies. In Book Four, the Old Man of the Sea tells Odysseus, “You should have offered noble sacrifice to Zeus and the other gods before embarking if you wanted a speedy journey home.” (Pg. 375) during their encounter. The Old One’s word to Odysseus can be interpreted as a reminder of how Gods can intervene in mortals’ lives. Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca has been largely influenced by the Gods, from Poseidon, Calypso, and Athena. We also see another instance where a God plays an even more crucial role; determining the death of people. When Odysseus confronts the suitors and starts shooting arrows at them Athena aids his targeting. Pg. 594 “They took their advice and gave it their best, but Athena made their shots all come to nothing.” In this scene, the goddess Athena guides Odysseus in carrying out his vengeance. His success is mainly due to Athena’s help. The willingness for Athena to help Odysseus shows just one of the types of relationship that the Gods can have with mortals.

Hospitality is believed to be a traditional norm among people, but within the Odyssey it is displayed in two perspectives and in extreme levels. Pg. 407-408, Alcinous, lord of the Phaeacians, welcomes Odysseus with very generous hospitality. He provides him with the basic offerings of accommodation: food, drinks, and rest. His wife, Arete, tells Alcinous “It is not proper that a guest sit in the ashes on the hearth…Come, help the stranger up and have him sit upon a silver-studded chair…And let the housekeeper bring out food for our guest” (Pg. 407) Alcinous and his family offer sincere help to make their guest feel at home even though he doesn’t initially know who his guest is. Throughout the text we see how guests are welcomed regardless of their background. This concept exceeds our expectations of our norm of hospitality in present day. In today’s society when we think of hospitality we think of inviting our guest in and offering them a drink or perhaps food too assuming we know the person. Yet within the Odyssey we see the contrary. Gifts are exchanged and gifted to visitors, which is not something we are used to.

We also see the extreme opposite case of what we perceive as hospitality. In Book Nineteen the scene described between the Cyclops Polyphemus and Odysseus’ men could be a representation of cannibalistic hospitality. Odysseus and his crew visit the Cyclops’ land doubtful of what welcome they’d receive. Contrary to what we’d expect Polyphemus actually makes dinner out of some of the men, Odysseus’ crew members. The Cyclops gives Odysseus and his crew an unwelcoming scene, “This brought no response from his pitiless heart but a sudden assault upon my men. His hands reached out, seized two of them, and smashed them to the ground like puppies…He tore them limb from limb to make his supper, gulping them down…” (Pg. 432) The horrific act of eating your guests rather than hosting them and giving them proper hospitality is inconsistent with other demonstrations of generous hospitality we’ve seen. There are other cases in which hospitality turns out to be unpleasant rather than welcoming such as the suitors gathering in Odysseus’ house, rummaging through his property, taking advantage of his absence. They demonstrate lack of respect and courtesy which is observed through others’ hospitality.