What where Homer of Greece's major beliefs?

Answer 1

Unlike modern authors, Homer is not quick to reveal his personal beliefs; rather, they come about subtly, through the dialogue between two characters or through implications of epic similes. He wants the focus of The Iliad and The Odyssey not to be to extract his opinions but to develop one's own conclusions about life, religion, the natural world, and the interplay between the three.

That being said, Homer is human and does have beliefs.

On mankind: Homer was a strong proponent of a collective human race, as is apparent in his removed commentary on the Trojan War in The Iliad. Rather than take a side in the Greek vs. Trojan conflict, he portrays the strengths and the shortcomings of the characters on both sides with striking honesty. He feels that while humans have their limitations and inclination towards sin, they also have the propensity to display bravery, loyalty, and grace.

On religion: The idea that all Greeks believed in the Greek gods is a widely held misconception. In fact, the worship of the Greek gods were considered more of a superstition/custom (similar to modern-day practices of knocking on wood, avoiding ladders, etc.) than organized religion. We do not know what religious views Homer held; however, many scholars think that he did believe in some sort of life-force.

On values: In both of his epics, Homer emphasizes many traditional Greek values: xenia (hospitality), kleos (glory), and metis (wisdom),among others