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Homers The Odyssey is a book thats based primarily in ancient Greece, which means that Greek culture is a prominent part of the storyline. Characters in the story can be seen portraying these cultural values such as Xenia and praying to the gods. This story transmits Greek cultures values by having important characters carry out these actions which are cemented throughout the book and are typically key parts of the book. A great example of this is when Odysseus prays to Zeus for a sign, Lifted his hands and prayed to Zeus: Father Zeus, if you really willed it so—to bring me home over land and sea-lanes, home to the native ground after all the pain you brought me… another sign, outside, from Zeus himself! (20.09-3). Odysseus prays to Zeus to give him an omen so that he can be assured that the prophecy stated throughout the book of his return is true. Odysseus prayer is then answered through very comprehensible signs from Zeus. This is just one example of a character praying to the gods for help. Praying to the gods is a recurring theme in The Odyssey, especially since Odysseus does it quite often. Another very prominent cultural value is Xenia, wh

ich similar to praying to the gods, is a persistent theme in the story. Xenia is substantially shown in the story relating to Odysseus, an adequate instance is when Odysseus returns to Ithaca disguised as a beggar and advances to his castle to convince Penelope that her husband is still alive. Following the incognito Odysseus consulting Penelope, she says, Dear friend, the discreet Penelope replied, never has any man so thoughtful—of all the guests in my palace come from foreign parts—been as welcome as you& Odysseus must have feet and hands like his by now—hardships can age a person overnight, (9.397-408). Penelope doesnt even know that she just delivered Xenia to her husband disguised as a beggar, shes doing it solely because its a part of Greek culture. It is detrimental that a host serves the guest well to satisfy their requirements. She offers him a foot wash from her maid and later offers him a place to sleep, only with the knowledge that he is an impoverished beggar. The examples presented easily demonstrate how The Odyssey transmits Greek cultural values of welcoming a stranger and praising/praying to the gods when in need of assistance.