we learn more about the behaviour of the hero

• book 8 is useful in showing more
• Odysseus needs to establish his heroic status without revealing his identity
• in responding to the insult that he is a merchant, he accepts the challenge to compete in the games
• Athene makes him taller and gives him divine beauty
• xenia: Nausicaa gives a good definition of xenia when she explains to her companions why they should look after Odysseus