Greek World - Gods & Men 1250 B.C. The Eternal Quest for Balance • Oral Tradition: Many of the stories were initially passed down orally, long before they were written down. This oral tradition allowed for variations and embellishments over generations. • Homer’s Epic Poems: Two of the earliest and most influential written sources for Greek mythology are Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” epic poems that recount the Trojan War and its aftermath. These works, composed around the 8th century BCE, are foundational texts of ancient Greek literature. • Hesiod’s Works: Another critical source is Hesiod’s “Theogony,” a poem that outlines the genealogy of the gods, and “Works and Days,” which includes mythological tales alongside practical advice for farmers. Hesiod lived around the same time as Homer. • Tragedies and Comedies: Greek playwrights, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes, incorporated and expanded upon mythological stories in their works, providing insights...