# Hospitality and Its Violation in Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Theme guide for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [Roman Divinities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/perseus-and-atlas): Atlas violates the sacred duty of hospitality by refusing Perseus shelter and food, leading to his petrification.
- [The Wedding Feast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-wedding-feast): Phineus's attack on the wedding feast violates the sacred bond of hospitality, leading to divine punishment.
- [Pegasus and the Chimaera](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-centaurs): The Centaur Eurytion violates the hospitality of Pirithous's wedding feast by assaulting the bride, leading to a violent conflict.
- [The Rural Deities—Erisichthon—Rhoecus—The Water Deities—Camenae—Winds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxii-the-rural-deities-erisichthon-rhoecus-the-water-deities-camenae-winds): Erisichthon's violation of the sacred grove and his subsequent selling of his daughter reflect a breach of proper conduct toward gods and family.
- [Rhoecus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rhoecus): The nymph offers Rhoecus a reward and her love, but he violates the trust by ignoring her messenger, leading to retribution.
- [XXIII: Achelous and Hercules—Admetus and Alcestis—Antigone—Penelope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiii-achelous-and-hercules-admetus-and-alcestis-antigone-penelope): Achelous entertains Theseus and his companions at his hospitable board, while the story of Erisichthon (told earlier) involves violation of hospitality.
- [Arion—Ibycus—Simonides—Sappho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxv-arion-ibycus-simonides-sappho): The violation of hospitality is central: Arion is betrayed by sailors who should have protected him, and Ibycus is murdered while seeking hospitality, but divine retribution restores order.
- [Arion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/arion): The sailors, who should have been trustworthy hosts on the voyage, betray Arion by plotting murder for his treasure, violating the sacred bond of hospitality.
- [Ibycus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ibycus): Ibycus, a stranger seeking hospitality, is murdered by robbers, violating the sacred duty of protecting guests.
- [Simonides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/simonides): Scopas violates the expected hospitality and respect due to a poet by mocking and underpaying Simonides, leading to his downfall.
- [Menelaus and Helen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/menelaus-and-helen): Menelaus and Helen are kindly treated in Egypt, receiving rich gifts, contrasting with earlier violations of hospitality during the war.
- [Adventures of Ulysses—The Lotus-Eaters—Cyclopes—Circe—Sirens—Scylla and Charybdis—Calypso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxix-adventures-of-ulysses-the-lotus-eaters-cyclopes-circe-sirens-scylla-and-charybdis-calypso): The Cyclops Polyphemus violates the sacred code of hospitality by devouring Ulysses' men, while Calypso and Circe initially offer hospitality but with ulterior motives.
- [Return of Ulysses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/return-of-ulysses): The Cyclops Polyphemus violates the sacred code of hospitality by devouring his guests, while Aeolus exemplifies proper hospitality.
- [The Laestrygonians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-laestrygonians): The Laestrygonians violate hospitality by attacking the ships, while Circe initially offers false hospitality before Ulysses forces genuine hospitality.
- [Calypso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/calypso): Calypso initially offers hospitality to Ulysses but then seeks to detain him against his will, violating the proper bounds of guest-friendship.
- [The Phaeacians—Fate of the Suitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxx-the-phaeacians-fate-of-the-suitors): The Phaeacians exemplify proper hospitality by welcoming Ulysses, while the suitors violate it by usurping his home and courting Penelope.
- [The Phaeacians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-phaeacians): The Phaeacians exemplify proper hospitality by welcoming, feeding, and gifting Ulysses, while Neptune's punishment of them highlights the violation of divine will.
- [Fate of the Suitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/fate-of-the-suitors): The suitors violate the sacred code of hospitality by consuming Ulysses' wealth and disrespecting his household, leading to their punishment.
- [Adventures of Aeneas—The Harpies—Dido—Palinurus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxi-adventures-of-aeneas-the-harpies-dido-palinurus): The murder of Polydore by the Thracian king violates the sacred bond of hospitality, causing Aeneas to flee the cursed land.
- [Adventures of Aeneas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/adventures-of-aeneas): The murder of Polydore by the Thracian king violates the sacred bond of hospitality; later, Helenus and Andromache offer generous hospitality to the Trojans.
- [Dido](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/dido): Dido extends generous hospitality to Aeneas and his Trojans, but the relationship ends in betrayal and tragedy when Aeneas abandons her.
- [XXXII: The Infernal Regions—The Sibyl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxii-the-infernal-regions-the-sibyl): In Tartarus, those who defrauded friends, failed in fidelity to employers, or violated the marriage vow are punished, reflecting the violation of trust and hospitality.
- [Camilla—Evander—Nisus and Euryalus—Mezentius—Turnus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxiii-camilla-evander-nisus-and-euryalus-mezentius-turnus): Latinus welcomes the Trojans, but the violation of hospitality through the stag incident and Juno's discord leads to war.
- [Opening the Gates of Janus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/opening-the-gates-of-janus): Mezentius, though a cruel ally, was driven out by his own people, reflecting the breakdown of social and hospitable bonds.
- [Evander](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/evander): Evander and his people welcome Aeneas and his Trojans, offering seats at their sacred feast, exemplifying proper hospitality.
- [Infant Rome](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/infant-rome): Evander's generous welcome of Aeneas exemplifies proper hospitality, while Mezentius' cruelty and the Etruscans' demand for his punishment highlight the violation of social bonds.
- [How Thor Paid the Mountain Giant His Wages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/how-thor-paid-the-mountain-giant-his-wages): The gods violate the sacred bond of their oath by reneging on the promised reward and ultimately killing the giant.
- [Iona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iona): The legend of St. Senanus repelling a woman from the sacred island illustrates a violation of hospitality, as the saint refused shelter to a female seeker.
- [The Mythical History of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ii-the-mythical-history-of-england): King Leir's trust in his elder daughters' flattery is betrayed when they strip him of his retinue, violating the sacred duty of hospitality and filial care.
- [Leir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/leir): Leir's daughters violate the duty of hospitality by reducing his retinue and refusing him comfort, leading to his exile.
- [Elidure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/elidure): Elidure's compassionate embrace and concealment of his brother contrasts with the nobles' earlier violation of hospitality in deposing Arthgallo.
- [III: Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iii-merlin): Viviane's betrayal of Merlin's trust and her deceptive enchantment violate the bonds of love and hospitality.
- [Arthur (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/v-arthur-continued): The giant's murder of the Duchess and violation of the hermit's hospitality contrast with Arthur's restoration of order.
- [King Arthur Slays the Giant of St. Michael’s Mount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/king-arthur-slays-the-giant-of-st-michael-s-mount): The giant's abduction and murder of the Duchess and children represents a gross violation of the sacred duty of hospitality.
- [VI: Sir Gawain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vi-sir-gawain): The grim baron violates the code of hospitality by imprisoning King Arthur and demanding a ransom, contrasting with Gawain's courteous acceptance of the loathly lady.
- [Sir Gawain's Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-gawain-s-marriage): The grim baron violates the code of hospitality by capturing Arthur and imposing a ransom, while the loathly lady's eventual integration into court restores proper social order.
- [VII: Caradoc Briefbras; or, Caradoc with the Shrunken Arm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vii-caradoc-briefbras-or-caradoc-with-the-shrunken-arm): The ballad's mantle test reveals violations of marital fidelity within Arthur's court, challenging the ideal of hospitality and trust.
- [Sir Launcelot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-launcelot): The betrayal by the lady and Sir Phelot, who lure Launcelot into a trap under the guise of help, violates the code of hospitality.
- [The Adventure of the Cart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ix-the-adventure-of-the-cart): Maleagans violates the hospitality of the Round Table by ambushing the queen; Launcelot experiences both poor and enchanted hospitality at various castles.
- [XI: Queen Guenever's Peril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xi-queen-guenever-s-peril): The poisoning at a public feast violates the sacred bond of hospitality, causing chaos and accusation.
- [XIV: Sir Tristram’s Battle with Sir Launcelot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiv-sir-tristram-s-battle-with-sir-launcelot): The violation of fair combat by nine knights attacking one is condemned, while Arthur's court offers true hospitality to Tristram.
- [XVI: Sir Palamedes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvi-sir-palamedes): The initial hostility between Tristram and Palamedes contrasts with the later reconciliation and hospitality at King Arthur's court.
- [Perceval](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xviii-perceval): The knight's insult to Queen Guenever and the rude treatment of Perceval by Sir Kay contrast with Gawain's courteous welcome, highlighting the importance of hospitality.
- [Sir Agrivain's Treason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxii-sir-agrivain-s-treason): The betrayal of trust within King Arthur's court, as Sir Agrivain and Sir Modred plot against Sir Launcelot and the queen, violates the bonds of hospitality and loyalty.
- [The Lady of the Fountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ii-the-lady-of-the-fountain): Kynon receives lavish hospitality at the castle, but his actions at the fountain provoke a hostile response from the black knight, violating the peace.
- [Kynon's Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/kynon-s-adventure): Kynon receives generous hospitality at the castle, but his challenge at the fountain provokes a hostile response from the black knight, contrasting proper conduct.
- [The Lady of the Fountain (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iv-the-lady-of-the-fountain-continued): The yellow man's generous hospitality at the castle contrasts with the imprisonment of Luned and the betrayal by the pages.
- [Gawain's Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/gawain-s-adventure): The hospitality shown by the yellow man and the Countess of the Fountain contrasts with the violent encounters at the fountain, highlighting the theme of hospitality.
- [The Adventure of the Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-adventure-of-the-lion): Owain violates the hospitality of the Countess by abandoning her, but later receives hospitality from the charitable lady and repays her with service.
- [Geraint, the Son of Erbin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/v-geraint-the-son-of-erbin): The dwarf's rude treatment of Guenever's maiden violates the code of hospitality, while the hoary-headed man offers Geraint generous shelter despite his poverty.
- [VI: Geraint, the Son of Erbin (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vi-geraint-the-son-of-erbin-continued): The initial insult by the dwarf violates hospitality, which Geraint corrects, and the court's generous reception of Edeyrn restores proper conduct.
- [Branwen, the Daughter of Llyr](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ix-branwen-the-daughter-of-llyr): Evnissyen's mutilation of Matholch's horses violates the sacred bond of hospitality during the wedding feast, leading to conflict and war.
- [Manawyddan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/x-manawyddan): The enchantment that desolates Dyved and traps Pryderi and Rhiannon violates the expected hospitality and safety of the land, while Manawyddan's eventual negotiation restores order.
- [XII: Kilwich and Olwen (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xii-kilwich-and-olwen-continued): Gwernach the Giant's castle violates the laws of hospitality by killing all guests; Kay and Bedwyr subvert this by entering under false pretenses.
- [Taliesin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiii-taliesin): Rhun's deceitful visit to Elphin's home and his drugging of the supposed mistress violate the norms of hospitality.
- [Hereward the Wake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/hereward-the-wake): King Alef violates the sacred bond of betrothal, and Haco's wedding feast is disrupted by Hereward's disguised entry, highlighting the breach of hospitality.
- [Robin Hood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/robin-hood): The chapter contrasts Robin's generous sharing of his prize with Hubert against Prince John's hostile and unjust treatment of the contestants.
- [Orlando](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/orlando): Orlando's seizure of food from Charlemagne's table violates hospitality, but leads to his recognition and redemption.
- [Roland and Ferragus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/roland-and-ferragus): The truce and Orlando's act of providing a pillow highlight the code of hospitality, which is respected even in war.
- [A Roland for an Oliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/a-roland-for-an-oliver): The initial quarrel between Guerin and Charlemagne represents a breakdown of feudal loyalty, later restored.
- [The Tournament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-tournament): Angelica and Argalia are welcomed as guests at Charlemagne's court, but their true intent is to deceive and capture the Christian knights, violating the trust of hospitality.
- [The Siege of Albracca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-siege-of-albracca): The Cup of Oblivion at the bridge violates the expected hospitality of travelers, trapping knights in a magical prison.
- [Astolpho and the Enchantress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/astolpho-and-the-enchantress): Alcina's false hospitality traps and transforms her lovers, contrasting with Logestilla's genuine welcome and virtuous court.
- [Astolpho's Adventures Continued, and Isabella's Begun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/astolpho-s-adventures-continued-and-isabella-s-begun): Oderic's betrayal of Isabella and the pirates' imprisonment violate the sacred duty of hospitality.
- [Rogero and Bradamante](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rogero-and-bradamante): Rogero is betrayed and captured while sleeping in a cottage, violating the expected hospitality.
- [Rinaldo and Bayard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rinaldo-and-bayard): Charlemagne's betrayal of trust and the persecution of Rinaldo and his brothers violate the bonds of feudal hospitality.
- [Death of Rinaldo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/death-of-rinaldo): The workmen's betrayal and murder of Rinaldo, who had served faithfully, violate the bonds of community and hospitality.
- [Huon of Bordeaux (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/huon-of-bordeaux-continued): The Governor's betrayal and attack during a meal violate the sacred bond of hospitality.
- [Huon of Bordeaux (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/huon-of-bordeaux-continued): Huon is welcomed by the old woman but later violates the Sultan's hospitality by killing the prince at the feast.
- [Ogier, the Dane (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane-continued): Charlot kills Baldwin in the palace, violating the trust and safety of the court.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/themes/hospitality_and_its_violation
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/themes