... to remain together. The relationship between a people and their gods is crucial to the establishment of social norms, but more importantly, to the grasp of abstract concepts such as freedom, justice and fate, which are the basis of all human aspirations. In Greek mythology, this relationship is marked by the resemblance of men and the Olympian Gods. This belief becomes very apparent in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey-. Throughout the poem it is ... plain to see that the gods are driven by the same basic impulses "love, lust and jealousy "that drive men to ... ...

• Word Count: 1297
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... to be allowed to sleep XVII. Bed XVIII. Bath XIX. Host detains the visitor XX. Guest-gifts XXI. Departure meal XXII. Departure libation XXIII. Farewell blessing XXIV. Departure omen and interpretation XXV. Escort to visitor's next destination (Source: Reece, 6-7) In fact, Steve Reece notes that Homer's Odyssey contains twelve elaborate hospitality scenes and the Iliad has four (5). Speaking of hospitality, Agathe Thornton says this "social institution ... is one of the most important themes- (38). To appreciate more fully the aesthetics of this body of literature, one needs to be famili...

• Word Count: 1892
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... , used lightning to influence the outcome of the Trojan War. " Zeus the cloud bringer thundered furiously from Mount Ida and sent his burning lightning against the Greeks," Homer writes in the lliad, "Pale fear seized them all." The Greeks managed to overcome their fear and, after a ten-year war, sacked Troy. The gods, however got the last laugh. As Homer describes in the Odyssey, several Greek fleets incurred the wrath of the gods on their triumphant ... return voyage. The Greek hero Ajax, a rather boastful fellow, offended the goddess Athena. In retribution, Athena borrowed some of Zeu...

• Word Count: 1438
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School