Well, in the Homeric epics some characters are explicitly described with light hair. Achilles, the hero of the Iliad, is called “xanthos” (ξανθός), often translated as “blond” or “fair-haired” (e.g., Iliad 1.197). Menelaus, king of Sparta, is also “xanthos” (Iliad 3.284), and Helen, his wife, is implied to have fair features, possibly light hair, aligning with idealized beauty.
Odysseus is sometimes interpreted as having reddish or auburn hair based on later traditions (e.g., Odyssey 13.431, where his hair is described as thick and wavy, though color is ambiguous).
The Greeks of Homer’s time were likely diverse in appearance, with dark hair (brown or black) being most common, as seen in archaeological depictions and genetic data. Blond or red hair existed but was rare, reserved for standout figures or mythological idealization. Red hair, in particular, was less common than blond and often associated with specific regions or mythic traits (e.g., Thracians, who lived north of Greece, were sometimes noted for reddish hair in later texts like Xenophon’s Anabasis).
Also the Dorians invaded from the north, and they were considered Helenes along with the other Greeks. I wondered if they might have had nordic physical characteristics.
I seem to remember that at least some of the Homeric Greeks were fair-haired.
I don't think the Minoans were fair-haired though, judging from the surviving artwork.
These Greeks were racists. Everyone who was not a Hellene was a Barbarian. But they seem to have had varying physical characteristics.
One thing that always puzzled me is why the Aeolians, Achaeans, and Ionians were not sympathetic to the Helots, who were their kinsmen. The Helots were horribly suppressed by the Dorian Spartiates, even, it seems, considered racially inferior, since intermarriage with the Spartiates was anathema and even illegal.
It reminds me a bit of the Carthaginians enslaved by the Romans in the Punic Wars, who lost their identity, history, and even history memory, forced as they were into ignorance.
What do you think of all this, Cron?
If anyone can peer back through the mists of time, Cronos can! Give us a few valuable insights.