Final answer:
The legendary poet Homer is associated with the oldest epics in Greece, The Iliad and The Odyssey, which were first recited during the Homeric Age and later written down in the 8th century BCE, profoundly influencing Western literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual most closely associated with the oldest epics in Greece is the legendary poet Homer. These epics, namely The Iliad and The Odyssey, are thought to have been first recited during the Homeric Age, which spans two to three centuries of history. The Iliad portrays the war between the Greeks and Trojans, while The Odyssey follows the adventurous journey of the hero Odysseus.
Homer's epics were originally shared through oral traditions by traveling singers and were eventually written down in the 8th century BCE during what is referred to as the Greek Dark Ages. These epic poems provide a window into ancient Greek values, beliefs, and practices, emphasizing the virtue of arete, which signifies excellence and success in a moral context.
Homer's influence on Western literature is profound, with his works setting a foundation for the educational system and serving as a cultural encyclopedia for the ancient Greeks.