Final answer:
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are epic poems from the eighth century BCE, central to Western literature, encapsulating elements of Greek tradition, myth, and education. They are attributed to Homer and hold historical significance affirmed by archaeological findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey were epic poems that have been vital to the Western literary canon. They were composed during the eighth century BCE, in a period known as the Homeric Age, a time following the Greek Dark Ages. The Iliad tells the story of the Trojan War, focusing on the Greek hero Achilles, while the Odyssey describes Odysseus' perilous journey home after the war. Both epics highlight the Greek concept of arete, which signifies excellence and virtue, integral to ancient Greek culture.
These works, traditionally attributed to the blind poet Homer, were originally delivered orally by traveling singers and only later written down using the Greek alphabet. They offer a unique window into Mycenaean age heroes, battle practices, morality, and the intervention of gods in human affairs. This combination of complex storytelling, historical elements, and ethical lessons positioned these epics as cornerstones of ancient Greek education and culture.
Despite initial skepticism about their historicity, archaeological finds by Heinrich Schliemann supported the existence of a Trojan War and suggested that these tales were not entirely fictional. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey not only served as captivating stories but also influenced the arts and provided instructional content for generations of Greeks.