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Storytelling In The Odyssey

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Before stories and other works of literature were written down, a multitude of cultures and societies told these stories orally usually to teach a lesson or how to live in those ancient societies. This idea of storytelling dates back all the way to Mesopotamia with the epic poem Gilgamesh which has been created into written literature in recent history. The ancient Greeks are not an exception to this way of storytelling since many of their stories are used to teach about the important virtues of ancient Greek culture, such as hospitality. When discussing ancient Greek literature, the Odyssey by the legendary author Homer is known as one of the greatest works of that culture as it is still being read today. Utilizing the device of having multiple storytellers in his work, Homer is able to …show more content…
Here in our house you’ll find a royal welcome. Have supper first, then tell us what you need”” (Homer 6 Book 1). Thus, showing that when people of ancient Greece meet each other for the first time, they would provide a warm meal before asking what that person would needs. Additionally, when Athena came during this time, the suitors were treated with hospitality; however, they had abused how long they were welcomed and stood at the palace for an extended period of time. This, according to Homer’s narrative, is highly disrespectful and deserves to be punished by death. This is something that Telemachus ponders of and believes that “If only that Odysseus sported with these suitors, a blood wedding, a quick death would take the lot! True, but all lies in the lap of the great gods, whether or not he’ll come and pay them back, here, in his own house” (Homer 11 Book 1). Therefore, violating these rules of ethics of Ancient Greece has severe punishments and should be respected and practiced to avoid those. In addition to hospitality, Homer utilizes multiple storytellers to convey the importance of respecting and paying tributes to the

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