In Homer’s Epic The Odyssey, as translated by Rouse, many people tell their stories and live their lives. It is these tales that make this epic a riveting story that has stood the test of time. However, The Odyssey is also valuable to modern readers for an additional reason. It provides insight into ancient Greek virtues. As the epic unfolds it can be certain that there will be virtues present, virtues that separate the good man from the corrupt one. The ancient Greeks valued respect to the guest and stranger, respect to the host, and faithfulness to others. As the epic unfolds it becomes obvious that these virtues are greatly valued by the ancient Greeks.
The ancient Greeks valued showing respect to the guest and to strangers. When Telemachos arrives at King Menelaos’ palace he is greeted by one of the king’s servants, Eteoneus Boëthoïdês, who dashes to the king to inquire if he should welcome the strangers or send them away. “I didn’t know before that you were a fool, Eteoneus Boëthoïdês!”(44) Menelaos shows astonishment at Boëthoïdês question because it is expected of a host to welcome a visitor into the house. His name calling shows that it upsets him that Boëthoïdês would even suggest it. Later, when Odysseus first enters the palace of Alcinöös, Echeneos blesses Odysseus, who is begging for a ride home. “… and let us pour our drops to thundering Zeus who is always beside a suppliant to win him respect…” (84). Zeus is believed to be there to earn respect for the beggar. The people will respect the guest, beggar or not, because it is Zeus’ word, and Zeus’ word is law. Odysseus goes to his own home masquerading as a poor, old beggar so that he can observe the suitors. “Athena stood near Odysseus, and whispered that he should go round and beg bread of the company, to learn who were decent men and who were lawless…”(198). This shows that it was common knowledge that the polite man respects his guest, while the man with few morals does not. When Eumaios, a swineherd in Odysseus’ kingdom, treats Odysseus, who is disguised as an old beggar, kindly he thanks him with a prayer. “I pray that Zeus and all the gods of heaven may grant you your heart’s desire, for this kind welcome to me”(159). Odysseus knows that the man views him as a poor, old man and is impressed by his kindness. He values the man’s respect for the men beneath him. When a host treats his guest with respect he earns respect and dignity from his fellow citizens; however if a host fails to do this, he is thought of as a fool and a terrible host.
The ancient Greeks valued showing respect and honor to the host. Appalled by the disrespectful manner of the suitors who are courting his mother, Telemachos calls a meeting to discuss their conduct. In attendance are some of the fathers of these men, and Telemachos makes sure they know how bad the behavior is. “You ought to be ashamed in your own hearts, … you should fear the wrath of the gods, who may be provoked by such wickedness to turn upon you” (23). According to ancient Greek culture these suitors are people that should be looked down upon. These men are disrespecting Odysseus and his family. These men are acting in ways that will greatly anger the gods and these men will be punished for their inexcusable behavior. After Telemachos fails to get any assistance at the town meeting, he goes to see Nestor. He asks Athena, who is disguised as Mentor, for help. “Mentor, how can I go, how can I greet him? I have no practice in polite speeches; …” (32). Telemachos realizes the importance of treating his host with respect. This suggests that it has been instilled in him that respect to the host is a virtue that is valued in ancient Greece. Later, Odysseus arrives at the palace of Alcinöös and addresses Alcinöös and the men assembled at the palace. “I come in my distress, a suppliant to your husband and to your knees. Yes, and to these who sit at meat; may the gods grant them to be happy while they live…” (83). Odysseus is hoping that these men will give him a ship to sail home on. He knows that to achieve this he must win the favor of Alcinöös. To do this he addresses him and his guests in a kind and respectful manner, because it is something that will be valued by them. He knows that not doing this would be improper. The people of The Odyssey who are respectful to their host are the people who survive to see the next day, while those who are not, perish because of their own actions.
Lastly, the ancient Greeks valued faithfulness. As the book opens the gods are gathering. One subject that comes up is the awful treatment of Agamemnon at his homecoming. “… Aigisthos has done what he ought not to have done. Took Agamemnon’s wedded wife for himself, … he knew quite well it would be his own ruin! We gave him fair warning …” (12). The fact that the gods warned him shows that they truly believe his actions are appalling. Since the gods believe Aigisthos deeds are so dreadful they obviously value faithfulness. At this same meeting, Athena is pleading for mercy to Odysseus from Zeus. “Don’t you owe him something for all the sacrifices which he used to offer in their camp on the plain of Troy?” (12). Athena evidently feels faithfulness is important since she believes Zeus owes Odysseus for exhibiting faithful behavior. In addition, Zeus must help Odysseus because the gods chose to be faithful to those who respect and honor the gods. Later, Odysseus addresses his servants that have been faithful. “I see that you two alone of all my servants welcome my coming … if God shall destroy all these men [the suitors] by my hands, I will find wives for both of you, and give you land…”(238).Odysseus plans to kill the suitors for their actions, while he plans to reward the faithful. Obviously, Odysseus values faithfulness in his fellow citizens. The treatment towards the faithful shows that faithfulness is valued in ancient Greece.
A virtue is moral merit and righteousness. There are virtues in present in the The Odyssey that are clearly valued, among these are respect and faithfulness. Those who possess these virtues are viewed far more fondly then those who do not. The Odyssey gives insight to readers of modern times that there were certain virtues that the Ancient Greeks valued.
