Telemachus' father, Odysseus received similar treatments. Calypso, the nymph daughter of Poseidon, obsesses over Odysseus and sort of holds him captive on her island paradise. On page 74 (book 5), when Calypso goes to give Odysseus to Hermes, e book mentions that Odysseus had been reluctantly having intercourse with the nymph. Even if it was unwanted, she still treated him with the greater fineries that the world outside of the island had to offer. Before this, Calypso seats Hermes in her cave, which is fragrant with different nature-based perfumes. After escaping Calypso, Odysseus comes across the lotus eaters (book 9, page 127). These people give Odysseus and his men some lotus flowers to eat, which may not seem like much, but, it is really an intoxicating drug that puts the consumer in a state of ecstasy. Circe, the witch/goddess ( book 10, page 154) has her unsuspecting male guests bathed in oils and clothed in fleecy garments.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Xenia in the Odyssey
Xenia, or, simple hospitality is shown in every single home that's been described in the Odyssey (except for the cyclops). Telemachus visits both Menelaus, and Nestor's households. On page 45 (book 4), Menelaus has Telemachus and Mentor (Athena in disguise) to join a massive feast complete with maids that lathered them down in various oils, dressed them in furs, and then served them a silver tray, filled with water that had been poured from a golden pitcher so they could wash their hands before eating. On page 42 (book 3), Telemachus was bathed in oils by Nestor's youngest daughter. She then dressed him in lavish robes, and he was then sent forth to take a seat by Nestor himself.
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