Although the ancient Greeks and Americans today have different practices regarding hospitality, some of their traditions are similar. Many examples of Greek culture, including hospitality, were displayed in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey". This essay will compare the factors of hospitality between ancient Greek beliefs set forth in the Odyssey and modern hospitality. In ancient Greece, being hospitable was essential. Being hospitable was not only a religious duty, but everyone was expected to be hospitable towards guests. In the article “Welcome: A Religious Duty,” it states “Hosts had a religious duty to welcome strangers, and guests had a responsibility to respect hosts. The relationship is often symbolized in the Odyssey by the presentation of gifts.” (Welcome: a religious duty). Guests could include almost anyone, from friends and family to complete strangers. It was not unusual for travelers to take refuge in the home of a complete stranger. In the Odyssey, Odysseus says to a Cyclops: “It was our good fortune to come here; we are here, grateful for your help or any gift you give, as is customary to honor strangers. (Homer 9.170-172.1115). as if having a house to stay in wasn't enough, guests were waiting for gifts, as previously shown by Odysseus. It appears that gifts are items of value, however not all gifts were tangible items. For example, the Greeks' knowledge of current events was vague because there was no news system, so in exchange for a place to stay, the newcomer could provide information to his disconnected hosts. An example of this is when Odysseus is at the court of King Alcinius and tells the king about the obstacles they encountered trying to return home to Ithica. Because... middle of paper... his guests have been accommodated." (Wikipedia). In the Odyssey, Odysseus demonstrates how hospitality is considered a divine right in verses 173-175 where he quotes “We would beseech you, great lord, to take care of the courtesy of the Gods; Zeus will avenge the innocent guest.” (Homer 9. 173-175.1115) Odysseus is basically saying that if the “Great Lord” is not hospitable to his guests, he will be punished. The two cultures seem surprisingly similar in some ways but are also different from each other. other Both cultures believe in hospitality and both must meet the needs of their guests to be hospitable. On the other hand, the ancient Greeks saw hospitality as a religious obligation, while in today's society it is seen as the right thing to do. do. Ancient Greeks and today's Americans have different cultures when it comes to hospitality, but in many ways they are similar.