The Odyssey is not only an entertaining story; it is also a didactic text meant to teach its audiences about proper human conduct among mortals and in relation to the gods. A central characteristic of proper conduct is reciprocity. Every relationship in the poem—between god and mortal, host and guest, husband and wife, father and son—involves a give and take of some kind. Every gift anticipates a return in kind, and exchanges are often highly ritualized.

A recurring example is the guest-host relationship. A pattern emerges when guests arrive in a foreign land. Hosts offer a bath, food, and shelter; after guests’ basic needs have been met, hosts ask guests who they are, who their parents are, and where they are from. Guests take what is necessary but do not overstay their welcome or take advantage of their hosts’ generosity. By adhering properly to this ritual, guests and hosts form bonds and alliances that carry into future generations. In a world where travel may be necessary and the unknown dangerous, guest-host relationships provide the promise of a safe landing place.

The Odyssey provides numerous examples of proper and improper hospitality. Examples of proper observation include Nestor and Menelaus welcoming

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