Homer

Homer, an ancient Greek poet, is credited as the author of the epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, which stand as pivotal works in ancient Greek literature. Estimated to have lived around 750 BCE, Homer is revered as one of the greatest poets in history. Despite his acclaim, scholars remain uncertain about Homer’s historical existence, and if he did exist, little is known about his life. Traditionally depicted as blind, Homer’s name is believed to signify “blind” or “captive.” Some scholars speculate that “Homer” could have been a generic term for blind individuals who recited epic poetry while traversing the countryside. As an oral poet, Homer’s compositions were likely recorded by others, as written language had largely faded from use in Greece by the 8th century BCE. The Iliad, a 24-book poem comprising 15,693 lines of verse, unfolds over 51 days in the final year of the Trojan War. Conversely, The Odyssey narrates the journey of Odysseus, a Greek hero, as he endeavors to return home over the span of 10 years following the Trojan War. Undoubtedly, the muses and the gods had bestowed their radiant illumination upon Homer.