Birthdate: 8th Century BC
Nationality: Greek
Bio:
Homer is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential poets of all time. Though little is definitively known about his life, he is traditionally dated to the 8th century BC and believed to be the author of the epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey. These seminal works are considered the earliest surviving works of European literature and have had an immense impact on ancient and modern storytelling. Both poems center around the Trojan War and the aftermath experienced by King Odysseus, providing insights into ancient Greek society, values and mythology.
Homer’s epics were passed down orally through generations of bards before being committed to writing centuries later. This oral tradition is reflected in the poetic style used, with repetitive phrasing and formulaic structures designed for memorization and public recitation. The epic scale and themes of honor, glory, hubris, gods and the human condition established in The Iliad and The Odyssey have resonated through the ages, profoundly influencing subsequent Western literature. Both works depict the human experiences of warfare, love, loss, adventure and the endless quest for home, rendering Homer one of the most significant poets of the Western canon.
While doubts remain about Homer as a historical figure, the masterful tales attributed to him have become an indelible part of cultural heritage, inspiring countless other creative works across genres. Homer’s epics were formative in shaping ancient Greek identity and values, and continue providing insight into the foundations of European civilization to this day. He is considered the preeminent representative of early Western literature and the originator of the epic poetry tradition.
