One of the main functions of Genesis and The Iliad is that both texts serve as genealogy records or "family trees" for the Greeks and the Hebrews. These two epic traditions are overflowing with strings of names. Much time is spent evaluating these character titles and connecting them with one another to form conclusions as to the relations between the characters and their descendants and enemies. Equally, these masterpieces function as stories of origins for two nations and their corresponding cultures. Laying foundation, and providing explanation for the creation of a society, The Iliad and Genesis are crucial historical documents to anyone attempting to comprehend the origins of man.
             Genesis' roots emerge from the first man and woman – Adam and Eve; from them we meet Cain and Abel. "The man lay with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, 'With the help of the Lord I have brought into being a male child.' Afterwards..." (Genesis 4:1-2) This passage shows that much time and energy is spent introducing the figures of the story. In fact, most of the text is comprised of focusing on who evolved from whom. Genesis serves as the introductory book of the Bible, establishing more of a base than do the other four books. From the birth of Cain and Abel we jump straight to the birth of Cain's son. Never mind the details of the character's lives, we simply want to know who evolves in the next generation. "Then Cain lay with his wife; and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a town which he named Enoch after his son. Enoch was the father of Irad, Irad of Mehujael, Mehujael of Methushael, and Methushael of Lam!
             ech." (Genesis 4:17-18) It is extremely evident, after the examples provided, to see how redundant this naming of characters becomes, and yet it does not come to an end. The Iliad does not list as much ...