Though the common man is largely disregarded, especially in The Iliad, Homer has a broad human understanding, showing sympathy for the suffering Trojans. In spite of expressing the tragedy and sadness of life, especially the inevitability of death, he also expresses the dignity and joy of life. R eligion in H omer Homer expresses a world with many gods of man shape and with human attributes, who devote their time to feasting, intrigue, and love. The essence of the gods is power. There is little of an ethical nature in his religion.
People obtain benefits from the gods by prayer and sacrifices.
Fate and the gods are not in conflict. In fact, there is little distinction between them. The future is revealed by omens, dreams, oracles, and soothsayers. Cremation of the dead is uniform and burial is a religious duty. The soul has a mere shadowy existence in Hades, though the concept of the punishment for evil does exist.