In ancient Greek times their social values ​​and ideals were the fundamental basis of their daily lives. Not only were they part of their daily lives, but these moral codes formed the social structures and customs of ancient culture. The Greeks embraced these values ​​and were vigilant in upholding these rules as they gave meaning to the world around them and were their true values. In Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, the journey and interactions of the protagonist Odysseus highlight these values. Homer allows the modern reader to glimpse the social structure and customs of hospitality throughout the text as he reveals them when Telemachus hosts Athena, the Phaecians host Odysseus, and the suitors begin to take hospitality for granted. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Early in the epic, Odysseus' son Telemachus provides an early example of hospitality that emphasizes the customs and customs of Greek ideals. Initially, Athena appears in Ithaca, disguised as Mentes, to convince Telemachus to seek news of his father Odysseus. It becomes clear that Telemachus is the type who treats Mente (Athena) and insolent suitors with due respect as he greets her: "Welcome stranger. You will be entertained as a guest among us. Then, when you have enjoyed your dinner, you will tell us what your requirement is ”' Telemachus' remarkable behavior exemplifies how he allows the stranger to come into his family to eat and drink without knowing his identity, the ancient Greek idea of ​​hospitality was embraced to please the Gods and the Goddess and lessen the possibility of being punished. Of course, a guest could only imagine the sumptuous extremities he might expect while being welcomed as Mentes was welcomed, “with a cloth to sit on, the splendid and elaborate chair For his feet there was a stool.” Offering hospitality was not only a part of ritual nature, but meant providing courtesy to strangers of any condition, as Telemachus accepted Mentes into his family without hesitation. The virtues of hospitality are a fundamental custom and essential to the ideals of ancient Greece as this idea underlies the morals of ancient Greek culture throughout the epic. Just as Telemachus is an example of ideal hospitality, the Phaecians provide the pinnacle of hospitality despite social structure. Princess Nausicaa welcomes Odysseus and his crew despite the threat of strange men and offers them plenty of food and entertainment, as do her parents, King Alcinous and Queen Arete. Readers are able to benefit from this example as it shows that although Odysseus appears on a “real” island, the social structure does not influence the experience of hospitality. In this case, Odysseus went ashore, "his flesh was swollen, and the sea water had formed a stiff crust in his mouth and nostrils, and with terrible weariness...". Homer highlights this detail by emphasizing how Princess Nausicaa welcomed Odysseus and his men regardless of appearance. As night falls, the men are received by Demodokos who performs; and soon Odysseus weeps as the song reminds him of his sufferings in Troy. Soon, the Phaecians express remorse and shower Odysseus with lavish gifts and offerings. With the usual measures, Queen Arete took out: "the splendid chest for the foreigner, and in it she placed the beautiful gifts, the clothes and the gold that the Phaeacians had given...". Indeed, with the Phaecians hosting Odysseus and his men, readers can glimpse the substantial conduct that the ancient Greeks held within their society regarding hospitality. Because hospitality requires you to.