Homer

Summary

Homer is the name traditionally given to the author of the Iliad and Odyssey. Of the actual composition of the poems we know very little. Many scholars believe the two poems were the work of different authors, and some believe in the multiple authorship of each work. The poems probably took their final form at the end of the eighth century or later, with the Odyssey following the Iliad by about a generation. Although the poems draw on stories that were orally preserved and passed down over several centuries, the ideas of justice and social order evident in the following passages were probably current in the eighth century.

The role of common citizens in the assembly (Iliad 2.188–278)

As the Achaeans stream from their assembly to the ships, thinking to abandon the siege of Troy, Odysseus calls them back to their seats.

To any king or foremost man he overtook

he would speak softly and restrain him, standing by:

“My friend, a coward's panic does not suit you.

You should stop, and bring the rest of the people to their seats,

for you don't yet know what plan Agamemnon has.

Now he is testing you, soon he will frown on you sons of Achaeans.

Did we not all hear what he said in the council?

Pray he won't in his anger do some harm to the sons of Achaeans,

for the spirit of Zeus-nurtured kings is great,

their honor is from Zeus, and he loves them in his wisdom.”