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Over time there have been many epics written by different cultures and at different times. By reading these epics we can learn about the values of the different cultures. Some cultures were very similar, but others are very different. One way cultures can differ is their values, which can be reflected in their notions of what makes a hero. An example of this would be to compare The Odyssey by Homer to The Ramayana by Valmiki. The Odyssey cannot be accurately dated and is attributed to the poet Homer who lived in an area of Asia Minor that was settled by Greek colonists. It was originally intended for oral recitation and was shaped into the current written form. The main character (or hero) in the poem is Odysseus who is the son of Laertes, King of Ithaka. Throughout the poem Odysseus is given many different