Greek mythology has remained alluring to audiences for centuries. As philosophical texts they were the foundation of pre-Socratic philosophy and pre-Hippocratic medicine. The Odyssey is believed to have been transcribed around 8th century BC, but existed as part of tradition and folklore long before then. 

The importance of the nervous system has been shown in Homeric poems. Medical terms often have greek or roman origin, and from mythology. Numerous medical and neurological references are found in greek scriptures.

The brain is mentioned multiple times in passages depicting bloody injuries. The importance of the brain for life is also noted in these references. Neck injuries leading to death, trauma to the mastoid bone, effects of sedating drugs and seizures are found in the text. Anatomical descriptions also exist of the neck and optic nerve.