Every story has a hero who demonstrates moral fiber, physical strength, and mental prowess to the max. This hero is often seen as a perfect soul, incapable of making mistakes or committing injustice to another. As the reader develops a strong sense of admiration for their hero, it is shocking when the narrator reminds his audience that his champion is only human and, like every human, has a tragic character flaw. In the Odyssey, Odysseus' flaw is commonly thought of as his relentless slaughter of suitors in his home. When he finally returns home to Ithaca after years of struggling to find the evil suitors in his family, he draws his bow and executes them all, despite their pleas for mercy and their offer to repay everything they took and more. Although many see Odysseus' anger as a departure from heroism, his actions are justified because the intruders in his family violate xenia, a custom that the ancient Greeks hold in high regard. The ancient Greeks believe in numerous concepts that the honorable man must live according to, one of which is xenia. Xenia is the relationship between guest and host. The host-guest relationship is so significant to Ancient Greek culture that Zeus, the king of the gods, is its patron. In xenia, the host must always accept a stranger into his family if he needs a place to stay. After inviting the guest to his home, the host is obliged to offer him food and drink, as well as any other luxuries he may need. It is considered bad manners for the host to question his guest before he is served. But the responsibility doesn't just fall on the guest; the guest must also honor xenia. The host is obliged to respect the host...... middle of paper...... suitors. Many misinterpret his heroism as an injustice simply because it is a departure from the Greek heroism that readers are accustomed to seeing. Throughout his travels and courageous efforts in Troy, Odysseus demonstrates traditional heroism as he searches for glory. When he massacres the suitors, his actions are heroic because they conform to the will of the gods. He enforces the will of Zeus, Xenia's patron, when he sends the suitors to the realm of Hades for dishonoring what Zeus deems significant. Odysseus' actions are not considered immoral because the gods are on his side. Anyone who disregards xenia incurs the wrath of Zeus and the suitors must pay for their actions. The suitors begin to dig their own graves the moment they violate xenia and the will of Zeus.