Thursday, November 10, 2011

Homeric Travel Tips - Stock Phrases on Xenia in the Odyssey


A question to ask on arriving at your destination: What are they here–violent, savage, lawless? / or friendly to strangers, god-fearing men? 

A question one should be prepared to answer when asking hospitality of a stranger: Where did you sail from, over the running sea-lanes? / Out on a trading spree? Or roving the waves like pirates, / sea-wolves raiding at will, who risk their lives / to plunder other men? 

A good reminder for guests and hosts alike: Respect the gods... / Zeus of the Strangers guards all guests and suppliants: / strangers are sacred - Zeus will avenge their rights.



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Sigh No More