Hospitality's Consequences

Hospitality plays a big role in the Odyssey. It helps Odysseus and Telemachus in their journey numerous times. However, hospitality, and the rules that come with it, has not always been pleasing to everyone, specifically the suitors. The rules of hospitality are very important and must be followed by all mortals, or else they are subject to suffer the wrath of Zeus. When Polyphemus the cyclops was not hospitable to his guest he was blinded and payed a consequence for it (book 9, lines 265-271). The suitor paid the greatest price for their disregard to the rules of hospitality. They would dishonor their host’s house by eating them out of house and home. This did not please Zeus who is the the god of stranger. Eventually the sun set on their party and they felt the consequences for their actions.