DEMODOCUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Demodocus was a legendary bard of Greek mythology, with Demodocus famously appearing in Homer’s Odyssey.
Demodocus and the Muse
The parentage of Demodocus is not alluded to in surviving mythological sources, nor is the land of his birth known. It was said though Demodocus was beloved of the Muse, although which of the Muses, is not entirely clear. The Muse though gifted to Demodocus divine inspiration, enabling Demodocus the ability to compose and perform extraordinary songs.
The divine figures of Greek mythology though were well known for giving and taking, and the Muse, at the same time as bestowing the gift, also blinded Demodocus.
Whilst the land of Demodocus’ birth is not known, he, in adulthood was to be found upon the island of Scheria. Scheria was the legendary home of the Phaeacians, the mythical seafaring people, who at the time of Demodocus was ruled by King Alcinous.
It was to Scheria that Odysseus, in the Odyssey, arrived late in his travails home after the Trojan War.
The divine figures of Greek mythology though were well known for giving and taking, and the Muse, at the same time as bestowing the gift, also blinded Demodocus.
Whilst the land of Demodocus’ birth is not known, he, in adulthood was to be found upon the island of Scheria. Scheria was the legendary home of the Phaeacians, the mythical seafaring people, who at the time of Demodocus was ruled by King Alcinous.
It was to Scheria that Odysseus, in the Odyssey, arrived late in his travails home after the Trojan War.
The Songs of DemodocusWith Odysseus, eventually, a welcomed guest in the court of King Alcinous, the king called upon Demodocus to entertain the unidentified Odysseus and the other assembled nobles.
Demodocus would sing a song of his own composition, a song that told of events early in the Trojan War, when two Achaean leaders, Odysseus and Achilles, argue. Demodocus is of course unaware that one of the main characters of his song is present in the room. The song of Demodocus brought back memories for Odysseus, and the Greek hero was forced to hide away his tears. Seeing that his guest was upset by this first song of Demodocus, Alcinous brought the feast to an end, and started a period of athletic games. Eventually, the games came to an end, and Demodocus was called upon again to entertain. This time, Demodocus sand of the love affair between Aphrodite and Ares, two Olympian gods. Aphrodite was of course married to another god though, for Hephaestus was her husband. Demodocus would tell of how Hephaestus caught the pair in a net, whilst the pair were in bed together. |
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Odysseus was so taken with performance that he shared his food with the blind bard, and then asked for another song, this time about the Trojan Horse and the Sacking of Troy.
Again Demodocus performed as no mortal had performed before, but again, Odysseus reminded about his own past, started to weep. When Alcinous noticed again, the king asked once more, what his guest’s name was, and this time Odysseus revealed himself for who he was.
The respect given to Demodocus can be seen by the privilege position given to the blind bard in the banqueting hall; and King Alcinous also praises the bard as unequalled amongst mortal men. In antiquity, Demodocus was also respected for his likeness was placed upon the throne of Apollo at Amyclae.
Again Demodocus performed as no mortal had performed before, but again, Odysseus reminded about his own past, started to weep. When Alcinous noticed again, the king asked once more, what his guest’s name was, and this time Odysseus revealed himself for who he was.
The respect given to Demodocus can be seen by the privilege position given to the blind bard in the banqueting hall; and King Alcinous also praises the bard as unequalled amongst mortal men. In antiquity, Demodocus was also respected for his likeness was placed upon the throne of Apollo at Amyclae.
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Colin Quartermain - Demodocus - 7th February 2026