Reading Homer's Odyssey is like entering a world steeped in fantasy. Many important traits such as respect and hospitality are exemplified when read with a non-literal mindset. Respect and hospitality are clearly visible in the real world. For obvious reasons, these traits are imprinted in children's minds to lead them to a good reputation. Although the Odyssey was written thousands of years ago, its characters demonstrate traits that help one live a successful daily life in the real world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Respect is an important trait to have and many times in The Odyssey it is shown especially towards the gods. Respect for them determines your life after death. In the Odyssey, Homer expresses to Athena the respect Zeus has for Odysseus: “There is no mortal half so wise; no mortal / has given so much to the lords of the open sky'. Zeus showing the respect he has for Odysseus and the mentality that he "has his back" can relate to the real world. It is important to have the “backs” of others, especially family and friends. Caring for each other is an example of the respect you have for that person. If one does not watch the "backs" of others, this can result in punishment, just like when Odysseus' crew travels to the land of Hyperion. When they were about to leave, a terrible wind stopped them. The crew realizes they don't have enough food and other supplies, so they kill Hyperion's cows despite warnings not to. This act is very disrespectful to Hyperion. He then kills the crew. Odysseus realizes how important it is to respect the gods because if he doesn't he will be given punishment. This obviously won't happen in today's world, but similarities can be found. For example, if citizens disrespect law enforcement, they will take action. The disrespectful citizen could be hit, confronted, jailed, etc. Therefore, we are taught to respect law enforcement so we can have a peaceful relationship with them. Hospitality is also a key trait shown in the Odyssey. Greek culture bears witness to the importance of the practice of hospitality in many significant ways in the poems. For example, after escaping the Cyclopes. Ulysses and his crew desperately need a place to stay and someone to care for them. So, when they arrive at the island of Aiolia, they are “taken under the wing” of Aiolos Hippotadês for a month. As if that wasn't enough, Odysseus receives an oxhide bag with powerful winds. Whether Aiolo did this to annoy Poseidon or because he wants to be kind, he is demonstrating true hospitality. Telemachus also demonstrates hospitality: [Telemachus] sees Athena and goes straight into the square, the heart within him is scandalized that a guest is still standing in front of the doors. He stands next to her and takes her by the right hand, frees her from the bronze spear, speaks to her and addresses her with winged words: 'Welcome, stranger. You will be hosted as a guest among us. Then, when you have enjoyed your dinner, you will tell us what your needs are.' […] he leads her and makes her sit on a chair, with a tablecloth to sit on, the splendid and elaborate chair. There was a stool for his feet. For himself he drew a painted bench next to her, apart from the others, the suitors, for fear that the guest, made uncomfortable by the tumult, might lose his appetite there among domineering people. Telemachus shows his trait of hospitality because he immediately invites the guest to his home and treats her with very specific examples of hospitality. His generous acts in feeding and sheltering the stranger truly show that he appreciates.