Xenia: Ancient Greek Guest-Friendship (Clip)
This ancient Greek concept was a big part of their culture as well as Homer’s “Odyssey,” and according to translator Emily Wilson, the poem can be treated as a study in xenia. It facilitated travel in a time with far less safety, no hotels, etc. There was a series of actions to the custom:
Welcome
Wash
Food
Guest gives identity
Guest given gifts to help him on his way
The suitors back at Odysseus' home horribly violate this value.
(From the episode “Xenia: Odysseus’ Blessing and Curse”)
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