The first, and clearly the most obvious, is that it is one of the scenes that show the ancient Greek tradition of hospitality. Banquets and parties are held at weddings and arrivals or departures, and offer hosts the opportunity to show their hospitality, wealth and social status. Many scenes, such as that of Helen and Menelaus' banquet, are described in magnificent detail and describe the luxurious food that is eaten and the silver bowls from which the food is eaten. Although the next meaning is more hidden, the second function of food in this epic poem is as a symbol of temptation. For the hungry, tired and nostalgic men who accompany Ulysses, the image of a simple plate of bread or cheese is a great temptation. When this happens, at the Cyclops Cave, the punishment is immediate. For Odysseus himself, however, his strength and divine nature are beyond these base temptations and he is instead susceptible to the double temptation of exotic and richly described foods associated with a woman. Although having a delayed return journey to his wife and estate punishes Odysseus, it is relatively minor compared to the fate of others who were punished by death for their submission to the temptation of food. Odysseus sanctions the final punishment for the gluttony, temptation and laziness of the suitors living off his lands and livestock. Thus, the theme of food images, temptation and punishment is visible throughout