Hospitality has been a crucial social aspect since the dawn of civilization. The Bible teaches: “Be hospitable to one another, without complaining.” This value has been the foundation of communities since the humble beginnings of humanity, and we see traces of it throughout history. Xenia is an ancient Greek concept that literally translates to “friendship with guests.” Xenia is a host's obligation to welcome all strangers who wander into one's path, showering them with gifts and feasts, and treating them as they would a god. The relationship also extends to the customer and requires them to show ultimate respect and gratitude. Zeus is responsible for ensuring that Xenia is implemented and will punish anyone who dishonors this implicit code. Xenia is one of the most prevalent values ​​in The Odyssey, and on Odysseus's return journey many deny him this value, but he is also greeted with Xenia by several characters. Specifically, in book 6, The Princess and the Stranger, when Odysseus arrives on Pheacia, Nausicaa immediately decides to extend Xenia towards him, highlighting her integrity and diplomatic manner, leaving Odysseus and the reader to perceive her as civil and moral. to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"?Get the original essay As Nausicaa shows Odysseus Xenia, she is described as civilized and fair, and is respected by Odysseus and the reader. She tells him: “But now that you have reached our city and our land, / you will never lack clothes or any other gift, / the right of worn-out substitutes is available to us.” By repeating the words “our” and “you,” Homer emphasizes the division between the Phaeacians, or hosts, and Odysseus, the guest. This thus implies that even though Odysseus is a guest of Nausicaa, there is a dominant difference between the role of the guest and that of the host in Xenia's mutual relationship. Although the host should welcome the guest, the guest should acknowledge and show gratitude to the host. Additionally, the princess gifts Odysseus with clothing, representing the bond between Nausicaa and Odysseus, host and guest, sewn together with Xenia, the stitches that bind their relationship. The clothes also mean that Odysseus can trust Nausicaa. His examination reveals to Ulysses that the Phaeacians are civil people and not barbaric savages. Whether or not a character expresses Xenia determines whether or not they are a just and civilized individual. Because the princess decides to show Odysseus compassion and hospitality, despite her non-existent past, this confirms that she is a highly respected character in the eyes of Odysseus and Homer. Odysseus knows he can trust Nausicaa after she proves herself worthy of his companionship, by exposing Xenia. She then orders her maids to welcome Odysseus and announces: “Here is an unlucky wanderer who has strayed into our path / and we must look after him well.” Every stranger and every beggar / comes from Zeus, and whatever remains we give him / he will be happy to receive. So, quickly, my daughters, / give our new friend something to eat and drink / and bathe the man in the river, / wherever you find shelter from the wind.” Nausicaa orders her servants to give Odysseus a bath, a symbol of rebirth and purity. As the Princess and Odysseus meet for the first time, they do not know each other's imperfect pasts and are able to make a new start. So Nausicaa ignores Odysseus' faults and agrees to extend Xenia to him, although if she were aware of her mistakes, perhaps she would not obey. Through this important decision, Nausicaa is able to win Odysseus, as well as the reader's respect. Nausicaa.