Which of the following best describes the theme of xenia, or hospitality, in Books 1-6 of The Odyssey?

Athena encourages Telemachus to embark on a journey seeking news about his father.

The suitors slaughter the palace's livestock for their feasts.

Nestor and Menelaus welcome Telemachus, offering him food and rest without even knowing his identity.

Nausicaa personally escorts Odysseus to her father's palace.

dos

Explanation:

dos

The correct option is the third one, "Nestor and Menelaus welcome Telemachus, offering him food and rest without even knowing his identity".

Xenia was a fundamental Greek principle, which dictated that every guest should be treated with the utmost hospitality, regardless of his origins or filiations. Xenia consists of a reciprocal relationship, in which there must be respect from the host to the guest, as well as respect from the guest to the host. This generosity was expressed in a material way, through the giving of gifts, as well as in a non-material way, by providing shelter and protection.

Therefore, Nestor and Menelaus show the concept of xenia by offering Telemachus food and rest without questioning.