concept
xenia
guest-friendship
also: ξενίων, ξένιον, ξενία
The sacred bond of hospitality between host and guest, protected by Zeus Xenios; several of these short poems invoke a stranger's right to shelter, gifts, and safe passage under this obligation.
Reading notes
- The Epigrams of Homer §1 guest-gifts
The customary gifts and shelter owed to a traveller under the sacred bond of hospitality (xenia), protected by Zeus Xenios; several of these short poems turn on a stranger's claim to this obligation.