Final answer:
Homer's epic poems, 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey', originated from a Late Bronze Age oral tradition and were written down in the 8th century BCE, encompassing Greek virtues and serving as cultural guides.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homer's epic poems, known as The Iliad and The Odyssey, emerged out of an oral tradition in the Late Bronze Age. These epics celebrated the Greek virtue of arete, embodying excellence, success, and moral character. Through the telling of adventures, conflicts, and interactions with the divine, they provided fundamental instruction on Greek values and customs. By the 8th century BCE, during the time known as the Homeric Age, these oral tales were transcribed using the Greek alphabet, preserving them for future generations and establishing the foundation for Western literature.