Polyphemus, the Cyclops, is a terrible host in The Odyssey. He flagrantly violates the ancient Greek law of Xenia, which demands hospitality for travelers. Instead of offering shelter and food, Polyphemus imprisons Odysseus and his men, consuming several of them. His defiance of Zeus, the protector of guests, leads to his downfall. Odysseus blinds him in retaliation, escaping with his remaining men. Polyphemus's failure to respect Xenia results in his blindness and loss.

Odysseus and his companions expected the Cyclops to treat them with hospitality, following the Greek custom of "xenia," which involved offering food, shelter, and gifts to travelers. Despite warnings and visible signs, Odysseus hoped the Cyclops would honor this tradition. However, the Cyclops, Polyphemus, did not adhere to these customs, resulting in Odysseus and his men being trapped and some eaten, violating the sacred Greek code of hospitality.

Hospitality was an important virtue during the time of Homer. A person's ability to abide the laws of hospitality determined nobility and social standing. The relationship between guest and host was very important in both religious and moral standards. Those who were considered noble were expected to be good hosts. However, the law of hospitality did not just make demands of the host, but also of the guest. It was expected that the guest would act honorably to the host while in his household.

A thesis statement for an essay on xenia and respect for the gods in Homer's Odyssey could be: "In Homer's Odyssey, the theme of xenia, or hospitality, is closely tied to divine respect, as illustrated through Odysseus' encounters with various hosts, such as the Cyclops and the Phaeacians, highlighting how these experiences teach him proper host behavior and justify his actions against the Suitors."

Circe violates the laws of hospitality by drugging Odysseus's men and turning them into pigs. Her actions of turning the men into animals and slaughtering them is the opposite of the standard hospitality rules of the time. Normally, hosts should have slaughtered livestock for guests and provided a feast.

Maron's encounter in The Odyssey highlights the ancient Greek concept of "xenia," or hospitality, underscoring its ethical importance. Maron exemplifies positive hospitality by sparing Odysseus and his men and offering gifts, contrasting sharply with Polyphemus, who violates these norms by harming his guests. This encounter illustrates the Greeks' belief in reciprocal gift exchange and respect for strangers, as failure to uphold these values could provoke divine retribution, as seen with Poseidon's revenge on Odysseus.

The theme of hospitality, also called xenia or guest friendship, plays large in the Odyssey. There are numerous examples of hospitality being honored and also abused.

In The Odyssey, hospitality, or "xenia," is a crucial cultural value for the ancient Greeks, often linked to divine favor. Odysseus and his crew experience both good and bad hospitality, reflecting the importance of this virtue. For instance, the Cyclops Polyphemus fails to offer hospitality, leading to his downfall, as Odysseus attributes his escape to Zeus's support of travelers. Conversely, King Alcinous exemplifies hospitality by aiding Odysseus without knowing his identity. Odysseus, though primarily a guest, shows hospitality by sparing Irus during a forced fight. The Greeks viewed hospitality as a safeguard against divine judgment and a societal necessity.