Other
Hermes: Herald of the Immortals
The Olympians depended on Hermes (Roman name "Mercury") to bring them all sorts of news. Learn about his role at this site, which includes a listing of all the times Hermes is mentioned in the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Other
Zeus: The Olympian
This essay tells the story of Zeus (Roman name "Jupiter"), who was hidden from his father at birth, and how he came to rule all the other gods and the whole earth. Includes citations to the mentions of Zeus in The Iliad and The Odyssey.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Homer and the Greek Renaissance
Presents a clear, readable summary of ancient Greek history from the Archaic period through the Renaissance which included Homer's epic poems. Explains major historical events and cultural trends as background for those reading Homeric...
Other
Hera: The Most Beautiful Goddess
All the mentions of Hera in The Iliad and The Odyssey are listed here. (Roman name: Juno.)
Other
Demeter: Goddess of the Harvest
This detailed retelling of the myth of Demeter and of her daughter, Persephone. The resource contents concludes with citations from the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Homer
Read about what scholars have speculated about the life of Homer, known as the author of both the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Other
Mythological Background of the Trojan War
Really good outline that gives more than just the basic information about the mythological background to the Trojan War. Shows the actions of both men and gods in this legendary tale.
Able Media
Classics Technology Center: The Story of Troy
This site provides an account of the legendary war between Greece and Troy. Begins with the legend of Helen and her possibly divine birth and finishes with the fates of the warriors involved. Also includes some nice comparative mythology...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Intro to Odyssey
[Free Registration/Login Required] Greek and Roman mythology come alive as students follow Odysseus's journey. Epic poetry and heroes are introduced.
University of Oxford (UK)
Beazley Archive: Homer
Illustrated dictionary entry over famous Greek poet Homer. Highlights his two epic poems, the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey', which recounts life and times of 7th and 8th century BC. Traces Homer's lineage and how his works impacted the Greek...
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College: Aegean Prehistoric Archaeology: Troy Vii, Trojan War
This detailed, scholarly article examines archaeological evidence and draws conclusions about the reality of the Trojan War.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Bust of Homer
Of the Homeric poems the Iliad and the Odyssey were the most distinguished and have alone come down to us. The subject of the Iliad was the exploits of Achilles and of the other Grecian heroes before Ilium or Troy, that of the Odyssey...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Homer
(c. 850 B.C.) Ancient Greek poet who wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Bust of Homer
Homer is traditionally held to be the author of the ancient Greek epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, as well as of the Homeric Hymns. Today the hymns are considered to be later works but many still regard Homer as the author or...
Curated OER
Plaster Cast of a Marble Portrait Herm of Homer
Illustrated dictionary entry over famous Greek poet Homer. Highlights his two epic poems, the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey', which recounts life and times of 7th and 8th century BC. Traces Homer's lineage and how his works impacted the Greek...
Stephen Byrne
History for Kids: Ancient Greek Literature
History for Kids presents an overview of literature, libraries and the art of writing in ancient Greece. Students can glimpse a sample of the Greek Alphabet and learn about the epics that are still read today. Includes teacher resources.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Odysseus
Detailed encyclopedia article for Odysseus, known for his guile and resourcefulness, the hero of Homer's Odyssey, and a major character in the Iliad. He is most famous for the ten years it took him to return home from the Trojan War.