2/10 Important Concepts in Homer’s Odyssey

1) Epithet An epithet is a word or phrase the poet uses (often repetitively) to describe a character in an epic. Some common epithets in Homer’s Odyssey are – Odysseus, man of twists and turns – Odysseus, teller of tales – Bright-eyed Athena – Calypso, nymph with lovely braids – Earthshaker, Poseidon – Zeus, who marshals the thunderheads

2)Hospitality The formal rules of hospitality in ancient Greece were called xenia. Hospitality was very important to the ancient Greeks because people had to rely on it in order to travel safely throughout the world (there were no hotels at the time). We get a modern word from the word “xenia.” It is xenophobia, or fear of foreigners.

Responsibilities of the Host First, the host was supposed to relieve the stranger of his weapons. This made both the guest and the host more comfortable. Next, the host was supposed to offer his guest water and a basin to wash his hands and feet. Then, the host was supposed to offer his guest food and drink—the best in the house. After all that was done, the host could finally ask the stranger questions. It was considered very impolite to ask the stranger who he was right away.

Responsibilities of the guest: Respect the host and everything in his house. Promise to return the hospitality if your host is ever in your part of the world.

3) Monsters and Immortals

A) Man-eaters Cyclopes (Book 9) Laestrygonians (Book 10) Scylla and Charybdis (Book 12)

B) Seducers/Seductresses Lotos-eaters (Book 9) Circe (Book 10) Sirens (Book 12) Calypso (Book 5 [last adventure, but first we hear about])

C) Ambiguous Aeolus (Book 10) Underworld (Book 10)