... Greco-Sumerian ideal of a being greater than man. While both definitions are equally valid in literature, many perceive the word only in the first view. However, the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Epic of Gilgamesh portray gods with limits and weaknesses. The contemporary Christian god is able to demand things of his followers, readily expecting wholehearted and unquestioning obedience. This ... was not the case with his ancient counterparts. Rather than exacting demands upon their followers, occasionally the ancient gods were limited to requests. Often they were refused. In the Odyssey, t...

• Word Count: 1397
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... 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 ... ...

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

In the Odyssey, the epic poem by Homer, Telemakhos is a troubled teenager. He is the son of Odysseus, who is lost at sea and has not returned home from the war, and Penelope who is constantly consumed by emotion and pursued by suitors. Teens today face many of the same emotions and conflicts, but i...

• Word Count: 1253
• Approx Pages: 5