In Homer's The Odyssey, hospitality is a major theme in regards to the Greek culture. It was deemed ill mannered for one to greet their guest without proper meal before inquiring further. Gods were the root to every action or consequence; one of the main reasons behind mortals being overly accommodating is due to the mischievous ways of the gods. It was sometimes questioned whether or not the stranger was perhaps a god in disguise, and if not treated accordingly, one would be punished. Homer makes this theme of conviviality a crucial part of characterization, however, slight contradictions within the epic make us question this motif. .
Having an uninvited stranger in your home is not something that is joyously welcome, usually. However, Homer takes the phrase "make yourself at home " to another level. When the character Telemachus lands his ship in Lacedaemon to visit Menelaus we witness this overzealous hospitality. "When they had feasted their eyes on the sight, they went and bathed in polished baths, and after the maids had washed them, rubbed them with oil and dressed them in thick cloak and tunics, they took their places on chairs at side of noble Menelaus, son of Atreus " (Homer, 42), Telemachus and his men walked into the home of Menelaus whom they never met, and were washed, given a nice oil rub down, and were handed fresh clothes-all before having actually seen the host of the home. As bizarre as this scene may come off to one who isn't aware of what was proper manner in Greek mythology, this is actually the norm, and what is indeed expected. With the gods always watching, many thought that any stranger was, "a gift from Zeus, " and therefore, one could never be too sure of who exactly the stranger is and where he came from. The gods would punish those who did not put forth their home and perishables, as it was a sign of disrespect and greed. Another perfect example of guest-host relations is when Menelaus greets Telemachus and says, "Welcome.
