Bulfinch’s Mythology · Question
How does Bulfinch’s Mythology develop the theme of Hospitality and Its Violation?
Answer
Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch develops Hospitality and Its Violation across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The sacred duty of hospitality (xenia) is a recurring motif, with rewards for kindness (e.g., Baucis and Philemon) and severe punishment for inhospitality, as seen in the fate of the suitors in the Odyssey.
The Saturnalia feast, where masters served slaves, illustrates a temporary inversion of social roles and the ideal of natural equality, echoing themes of hospitality and social order.
The rustics refuse Latona water, violating the sacred duty of hospitality, leading to their transformation into frogs.
The inhospitable villagers refuse shelter to Jupiter and Mercury, leading to their destruction, while Baucis and Philemon's generous welcome earns them divine favor.
Evidence in the book
- Roman Divinities
The Saturnalia feast, where masters served slaves, illustrates a temporary inversion of social roles and the ideal of natural equality, echoing themes of hospitality and social order.
- Latona and the Rustics
The rustics refuse Latona water, violating the sacred duty of hospitality, leading to their transformation into frogs.
- Midas—Baucis and Philemon
The inhospitable villagers refuse shelter to Jupiter and Mercury, leading to their destruction, while Baucis and Philemon's generous welcome earns them divine favor.
- Baucis and Philemon
The chapter contrasts the inhospitable villagers who refuse shelter with Baucis and Philemon, who welcome the disguised gods, leading to divine reward for the couple and punishment for the village.
- Perseus and Atlas
Atlas violates the sacred duty of hospitality by refusing Perseus shelter and food, leading to his petrification.
- The Wedding Feast
Phineus's attack on the wedding feast violates the sacred bond of hospitality, leading to divine punishment.
- Pegasus and the Chimaera
King Iobates struggles with the request to kill Bellerophon, as it violates the sacred duty of hospitality, yet he devises a perilous task instead.
- The Centaurs
The Centaur Eurytion violates the hospitality of Pirithous's wedding feast by assaulting the bride, leading to a violent conflict.
