When I first read Homer I was struck by how many times food was mentioned and consumed in his stories. It made me more aware of the importance of food in one’s daily life and the attention given to food preparation. Food was especially important in war time too—for warriors must be feed before going out to battle because it provided strength; and on returning, because it healed wounds. I was also struck by the way in which certain leading characters gave thanks or asked for guiding protection from their gods. I may not share the same religious beliefs as they, but the very image of sipping ambrosia from a two-handled goblet is not only beautiful, but sounds far too delicious to ignore.