The Hospitable Phaeacians in The Odyssey
             In the era of Homer's epic poem the Odyssey, one could strongly argue that there were many differences in the various cultures that existed. However, throughout these differences, one common expectation of these cultures remains the same: that you must be hospitable. The act of hospitality is a sign of civilized people. People will give gifts, treasures, or even their daughters as a sign of being a hospitable host: this is their way of life. If people did not live in this manner, they would be viewed by others as uncivilized. In this era, if one were to be uncivilized, one would not have much regard for rules or laws. Uncivilized host make their visitors and guests feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. However, if people acted with a hospitable manner, then they could be viewed as friendly and civilized. Homer utilizes these themes throughout his work. In the epic poem The Odyssey, the theme of hospitality is apparent in book seven through the characters of Pallas, Queen Arete, and King Alcinous; who are all part of the Phaeacian society.
             The main character, Odysseus, is nothing more than a wandering stranger to the Phaeacians. However, without any knowledge about who Odysseus is as a person, the Phaeacians treat him with the utmost respect and hospitality "as he was about to enter the welcome city"(VII 20). The first Phaeacian that Odysseus encounters is Pallas, who is distinguished to the reader as Athena. To Odysseus' perspective Pallas is just another Phaeacian. Odysseus asks her; "Little girl, now wouldn't you be my guide/to the palace of the one they call Alcinous?/The king who rules the people of these parts"(VII 24-26). Pallas has no idea who Odysseus is, or what his intent is, but still treats him in a hospitable manner: "'Oh yes, sir/good old stranger,' the bright-eyed goddess said,/ 'I'll show you the very pala...