Odyssey: Xenia“I often gave to wanderers, whoever they were, who came in need.” (Homer, 351) Hospitality was evident in Homer's time and was eventually seen as an institution in Greek culture. A host-guest relationship, known as Xenia, takes place throughout the Odyssey to both gain relationships and avoid punishment from the gods. It is an important theme and is evident in every book of the Odyssey. The hospitable characters who use xenia are what keeps this novel going. Xenia influences the plot in many ways and influences the actions and choices of the characters throughout the novel. The story is based on Odysseus' journey around an unknown world. He develops most of the story's host-guest relationships based on the fact that on many occasions he has to ask strangers for supplies in order for his journey to continue. “A serious housekeeper brought the bread and served it to him, adding many good things, generous with her provisions.” (Homer, Book 7) These supplies were necessary so that his journey home could continue. The housekeeper presented it in the deed...