The First Gentleman in Europe

For writer James Joyce, Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey is the first gentleman in Europe. This is because Odysseus has honour and perfect manners, and does not want to appear naked in front of the princess Nausicaa and her ladies-in-waiting.

It is right after a shipwreck, and Odysseus grabs branches and leaves, managing to appear before Nausicaa as dignified as a lord in Parliament.

For me, Odysseus is a gentleman for another reason: he does not hide his grief when his faithful dog dies. Odysseus spares a tear for Argus the hound, whom the women had left unkempt on the dung.

Homer's epics are full of beautiful women (and men). Homer's descriptions of women's beauty, hair and lovely skin are unforgettable. However, Homer does not shy away from the ugly or puzzling realities of the lives of those women -- some are slaves, widows of war, witches, Goddesses or mermaids.

Homer's epics are also full of beauty and cooking advice. 

Both women and men love a hot bath with essential oils. Massage with essential oils is a must. Meat is cooked over a roasting spit and served with a large portion of bread. The ideal breakfast is a large bowl of wheat mixed with wine and honey! Boiled milk is a must too. (This last from mythology. Zeus and Hermes drink a whole cooking pot of fresh boiled milk while guesting with a couple down on earth).

The message is clear. With these beauty and cooking rituals, you end up looking beautiful like a goddess or god, and feeling strong like a warrior!