Homer
The legendary ancient Greek poet traditionally credited with composing the Iliad and the Odyssey, foundational works of Western literature
Shrouded in such historical mystery that scholars still debate whether he existed as a single individual at all, this legendary poet is nonetheless credited with two works that shaped the entire trajectory of Western literature.
A Legendary, Uncertain Figure
Historians know remarkably little verified detail about Homer's actual life, with ongoing scholarly debate over whether he existed as a single historical individual or represents a tradition of oral poets.
The Iliad
Homer is traditionally credited with composing the Iliad, an epic poem depicting events during the Trojan War, considered one of the foundational works of Western literature.
The Odyssey
Homer is also credited with the Odyssey, following the hero Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War, another foundational epic that has profoundly influenced literature for millennia.
An Enduring Literary Influence
Homer's epics have profoundly influenced Western literature, philosophy, and culture for nearly three thousand years, remaining widely studied and referenced works to this day.
