The gods can, however, increase or diminish their size, assume the form of particular men, or of any animals, and make themselves visible and invisible at their pleasure. Their bodies are also of a finer nature than those of men. It is not blood, but a blood-like fluid named _ichór_, which flows in their veins. They are susceptible of injury by mortal weapons; the arrows of Herakles violate the divine bodies of Hera and Hades. Diomedes wounds both Aphrodite and Arés. They require nourishment as men do; their food is called Ambrosia, their drink Nectar. Their mode of life exactly resembles that of the princes and nobles of the heroic ages. In the palace of Zeus, on Olympus, they feast at the approach of evening, and converse of the affairs of heaven and earth; the nectar is handed round by Hebe (_youth_); Apollo delights them with the tones of his lyre; and the Muses, in responsive strains, pour forth their melodious voices in song. When the sun descends each god retires to repose in his own dwelling. They frequently partake of the hospitality of men, travel with them, and share in their wars and battles. With the form of men the Homeric gods also partake of their passions. They are capricious, jealous, revengeful, will support their favorites through right and wrong, and are implacable toward their enemies or even those who have slighted them. Their power was held to extend very far; men regarded them the authors of both good and evil; all human ability and success was ascribed to them. They were believed to have power over the thoughts of men, and could imperceptibly suggest such as they pleased. They required of men to honor them with prayer, and the sacrifice of oxen, goats, sheep, lambs and kids, and oblations of wine and corn, and fragrant herbs. When offended, they usually remitted their wrath when thus appeased.