From the role of the cunning seductress, to the submissive housewife, to the furious warrior, women were a focal point of ancient Greek works. Although they are often scrutinized and considered, the role they played in their culture was undeniably important. One might think that women are worth much less than a man, however, their undeniable power and influence in Greek society cannot be overlooked. The substantial position they held is verified in numerous texts of the time, including the works of Homer, Virgil and Ovid. Throughout Homer's work, The Odyssey, the roles of both men and women are extremely prevalent. Women are expected to perform the duties of housewife and caretaker of the family while men are sent to fight and defend their pride and honor, both very important aspects of Greek society. Although women may seem insignificant to readers at first, their true power over men in the work cannot be ignored. From the first book of the Odyssey, Homer makes the duties expected of women in society very clear. However, it is only in the second book of the poem that Homer addresses the ultimate power and influence that women hold. The first woman whose role is explicitly evident is Penelope. Telemachus' comment to her in the first book begins this ordeal: “So mother, return to your quarters. Take care of your tasks, the distaff and the loom, and make the women work hard too. Men will take care of giving the orders, but above all: I hold the reins of power in this house” (1. 409-414. 89). Telemachus' first comment demands that Penelope return to weaving, which suggests that women can only do housework. Although he may not agree with his orders, he must obey; “Penis...... middle of paper...... 3.Fletcher, Judith. "Women's Space and Wingless in the Odyssey." Phoenix 62.1/2(2008): 77-91. Network. 5 December 2013. Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles. 2nd ed. New York: Penguin, 2002. Print.Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. NY: Penguin Books, 1990.***Prince, Meredith. "The ties that (do not) bind: fathers, daughters and pietas in Ovid's Metamorphoses." Syllecta Classica 22.1 (2011): 39-68. MUSE project. Network. 7 April 2014. .Publius Ovidus Naso. Metamorphosis. New York: Norton, 2004. Print.Virgil,. The Aeneid. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Group, 2008. Print.Wildman, Banks J. “Juno in the Aeneid.” The classic weekly. vol. 2. Washington DC: Classical Association of the Atlantic States, 1908. 26-29. 4 vols. Network. February 5. 2014. .