The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh
(Similarities and Differences)
Both The Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh are two incredible stories written
long ago everyone knows this but what a lot of people don’t is that these two
epics share many of the same concepts. Such as the nostro (the Greek term for homecoming), xenis
(guest/host relationship), oikos (household), and aganoriss (recognition). In both epics these themes
are illustrated.
In The Odyssey the theme of nostro is very prevalent in this
epic. Basically the whole story is based around this concept. The main
character Odysseus whole goal in the book is his homecoming. Along his journey
he faces many challenges separating him from his home Ithaca and his family. The main thing that
keeps Odysseus going is the thought of one day being home with his family no
matter how many set backs he faces.
