Final answer:
In the Iliad, ancient Greeks believed gods had supernatural strength and intervened in human affairs. These gods, despite being immortal, were not gentle and often conflicted with one another, reflecting the complexity of Greek religious and cultural life.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Homer's epic poem the Iliad, several ancient Greek beliefs about gods are prevalent. The gods exhibit supernatural strength and frequently intervene in human affairs, shaping the course of events in the Trojan War. Contrary to being gentle, the gods often display human-like emotions such as jealousy and anger, and their disagreements and conflicts are a central theme.
Despite their immortal nature, the Greek gods are not depicted as omnipotent or omnibenevolent beings. They are prone to deceit and power struggles, which reflect the tumultuous merges of cultural beliefs from different societies that contributed to Greek mythology.
The context of the Iliad reflects a society that deeply believed in the significance of the gods in their daily lives. Religion was intertwined with the aspects of Greek life, from warfare to agriculture, and the gods were thought to directly influence individual and communal endeavors.
Greek gods and goddesses were honored through various religious festivals and rituals, emphasizing their importance in ancient Greek culture. This interplay of divine influence and human action highlights the values of arete, as individuals seek excellence and success while navigating the will of the gods and the challenges posed by life.