The Iliad and the Odyssey

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of the conflict between and intercession of the Gods.
The Iliad, as well as the Odyssey, was written in the oral tradition and, like Shakespeare's plays, is meant to be repeated in a normal voice such as that used in conversation. It's an epic poem, meaning it tells a tale from beginning to end and that it contains lessons that are appropriate through time. The style of the poem is similar to the sonnet cycle that evolved at a later date in that it utilizes the imagery, symbols and metaphors of the ancient religions - including the concept of hero.
The classical hero was one who was brave, honest, pious and was usually either in the favor of the Gods or was descended from the Gods. There is an aspect of the supernatural to all heroes and the ancient heroes were the example for all heroes to come after. This is very true of Odysseus, who was said to be the son of Laertes but descended from Zeus - and he was certainly in the favor of the Gods, especially Athena. Homer, in ...

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