The Odyssey Can Odysseus reflect the cultural values of ancient Greece through his super human qualities? Odysseus is the hero of the Odyssey, an epic poem believed to have been composed by Homer, a blind poet, in about 800 B.C. An epic is a long, narrative poem that tells about the escapades of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or race. Odysseus, though he often seems larger-than-life, reflects the cultural …showed first 75 words of 668 total…

…showed last 75 words of 668 total…traits are not as important in current times. Revenge is now unacceptable, though the ancient Greeks embraced it. Physical power is still appreciated, but the significance of hospitality has decreased to a great extent. No longer would a person accept a stranger into their home with alacrity, but would be more likely to turn the foreigner away. Odysseus, although he often seemed to be unrealistic, showed qualities that were greatly esteemed by the ancient Greeks.