Winged Words. The figure of the aoidos in the Homeric poems

Abstract

As is well-known, one of the features of epic poetry, as a literary genre, is the mention and characterization
of numerous characters. The Iliad and The Odyssey, as exemplary representatives of the ancient Greek epic poetry, are no exception. Homer includes a vast number of characters both in the poem narrating the anger of Achilles and in the one recounting the return of Odysseus, after the end of the Trojan war. One of these characters is the aoidos or singer of actions of gods and heroes. This text adopts a hermeneutical approach in examining this figure. Specifically, it aims to achieve three goals regarding textual comprehension and explanation. Firstly, to specify the implications of the name and profession of a singer. Secondly, to identify similarities and differences between the Homeric aoidoi and their songs. Thirdly, to differentiate the various ways to choose the songs as well as the effects on the audience.