Recent studies have begun to see the Homeric epics in the light of other epic traditions, notably epics from Mesopotamia, and have begun to look at striking similarities. There is a supposed lineage that can be seen connecting the Homeric epics most directly with the world of Akkadian epics (Gresseth 2). ... Comparisons between various characters abound in near-eastern Mesopotamian epic and Homeric epics. ... Enkidu was created by the gods as a rival to Gilgamesh, and is therefore younger. ... It would not be unreasonable therefore to look at the Homeric epic the same way, since it contains so...

• Word Count: 4256
• Approx Pages: 17
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The demons of Mesopotamia were usually hostile spirits and lower than the gods in both dignity and power (Russell 1977, 92). ... Originally, Zarathushtra's dualism was based on the conflict between the ahuras, the elder gods, and the daevas. ... Good and evil proceed from Zeus, the one God, of whom the numerous other gods in the Greek pantheon are manifestations. ... The main question that must be answered is how the daimon (the impersonal, powerful force in the Homeric epics) became the evil demon (Smith 1978, 432). ... This Homeric daimon, which can affect thoughts and dreams and can be...

• Word Count: 2828
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School

This is false, as Athena, as well as his sister Artemis, are considered the Hunting Gods, and Apollo's arrows contain shafts of disease. ... The creation of Apollo is highlighted in one of the longer Homeric Hymns, "Hymn to Apollo. " The tale of Apollo's birth tells the story of his mother, Leto, a mistress of Zeus, who gave birth to both Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis: "Rejoice, blessed Leto, for you bare glorious children, the lord Apollo and Artemis who delights in arrows. " Upon Hera's awareness of Leto's actions, she persecutes Leto and establishes that no land t...

• Word Count: 3073
• Approx Pages: 12
• Has Bibliography

When Virgil controls the narration, the point of view includes the actions of the gods as well as the human story; Aeneas, in his storytelling, does not have this access to the gods' perspective and relates events only from his own perspective. ... Symbols of the epic are flames; the golden bough; the Gates of War; the Trojan hearth gods; weather etc. ... They were both the offspring of humanity and deity, and thus demanded the special attention of the gods. For this reason, too, the gods bickered fiercely over the outcome of the war. ... Each followed the path of a hero forced through ...

• Word Count: 8864
• Approx Pages: 35
• Grade Level: High School

Mycenaean's cultural legacy became extremely important for women in ancient Greece, as these Homeric epics were continually retold and inculcated by the populous. ... Earlier sacred sites to goddesses appear to be replaced by male gods like Zeus and Apollo, although the Mycenaean's continued to worship the Mountain Mother at sanctuaries in the mountains. ... By the Homeric Age Zeus became superior to Hera, undoubtedly showing women's declining status. ...

• Word Count: 7196
• Approx Pages: 29
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Heroic tradition in literature Heroism cannot be discussed detached from a hero. "Heroes originate in the mists of time and myth" (Jokinen 1996). The quote could not be more true, heroes and their valorous deeds are wrapped in the mists of time and myth. The deeds are so valorous as to seem...

• Word Count: 2885
• Approx Pages: 12
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate