Hospitality, please!

Hi again,

Here in Ithaca we really appreciate hospitality. And I really hope Odysseus and Telemachus are receiving lots of it wherever they may be. As for me, the last time I received some Greek hospitality was a couple years ago when I visited my girlfriend and her family. Since, then I haven’t been out the house much except to grocery shop. 

As for the suitors, Telemachus and I have been very hospitable. Perhaps, that’s the reason they stay so long. I’m not sure if I should disobey an ancient Greek virtue and take the wrath of the gods, or continue to be virtuous and watch my home fall apart…

I remember the day the suitors first came. It began with a few nice gentlemen and before I knew it, a swarm came in through the windows and doors. At the time when Odysseus was certified as MIA, many people came to my home to send their condolences. The last to come were two suitors who offered to keep me company and run the household at Odysseus’ absence. Actually, they kept their promise for about 10 years and during that time seven other suitors joined the household. The men were a huge help because it was very difficult for me to cope AND do my chores. Not until two years later did things get out of hand. In the time when I was finally recovering from my depression, more and more suitors showed up to my house each day. The responsibilities that they took on before have now been totally disregarded. Now I live with 50 strangers.

But, in order to gain favor with the gods, the most important thing a mortal can do, I will continue to be hospitable. I will continue to provide a hot meal each night and a warm place to sleep for those who choose to spend the night. I will also try my best to keep a positive outlook and act as friendly as I can. The good fortune I send out will return to me and to my family. It won’t be long until my dear Odysseus returns and the gods will surely show the suitors their dismay.

Speaking of the gods, I am sure that Athena, daughter of Zeus, goddess of war, wisdom, and strength will keep sweet Odysseus and young Telemachus safe. Odysseus has been paying tribute to Athena since he was a young boy, and when we got married our family continued the tradition. So hopefully she is watching them both and I pray that she leads my men to hospitable places on their journeys back home.

ATHENA!!!

But it is getting late, and I have a big day tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day when we slay two goats; one to sacrifice to Athena, and one to Zeus. I will need help from the suitors since Telemachus is not here to help me this time around. I’m so happy to see that I have a few readers. It is a relief to know that my blogging is somewhat substantial! I must be getting to sleep though, Good Night!