Demodocus
Blind bard of the Phaeacians whose songs moved Odysseus to reveal his identity
The Legend of Demodocus
Demodocus was the celebrated blind singer at the court of King Alcinous on the island of Scheria. The Muse had given him the gift of song but taken his sight in exchange. During the feast honouring the stranger who had washed ashore, Demodocus performed three songs: the quarrel of Odysseus and Achilles, the love of Ares and Aphrodite, and the stratagem of the Trojan Horse. The first and third songs caused Odysseus to weep, hiding his tears behind his cloak. Alcinous noticed and asked the stranger to identify himself, prompting Odysseus to reveal his name and begin the long tale of his wanderings.
Parents
None recorded
Symbols
Fun Fact
Ancient commentators believed Homer modelled Demodocus on himself, both being blind poets of genius
Explore Further
Phemius
🗡 heroNone recorded
Ithacan bard forced to sing for the suitors, spared by Odysseus after the slaughter
Orpheus
🗡 heroThe musician whose art moved gods and stones
The legendary poet-musician whose singing could charm animals, move trees, and halt rivers — and who nearly rescued his wife from death itself.
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🗡 heroLegendary musician and poet
The greatest musician in Greek mythology, whose playing could charm animals, trees, and even stones. His descent into the underworld to rescue his wife is one of myth's most poignant tales.
Alcinous
🗡 heroNone recorded
Wise king of the Phaeacians who hosted Odysseus and arranged his passage home
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🗡 heroKing of Ithaca, hero of the Trojan War
The cleverest of the Greek heroes, whose ten-year journey home from Troy is one of the greatest stories ever told. Odysseus's cunning was his greatest weapon.
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🗡 heroBeekeeping, Resistance, Sirens
Argonaut and Athenian hero who alone leaped toward the Sirens and was saved by Aphrodite.
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🗡 heroLeader of the Argonauts
The hero who assembled the Argonauts and sailed to Colchis to retrieve the Golden Fleece, aided by Medea's sorcery.
Busiris
🗡 heroNone recorded
Egyptian king who sacrificed strangers to Zeus until Heracles broke free and killed him
Icarius
🗡 heroNone recorded
A legendary king of Sparta and father of Penelope who tried to prevent his daughter from leaving with Odysseus after her marriage
Elpenor
🗡 heroNone recorded
Young companion of Odysseus who died from a drunken fall on Circe's island
Pentheus
🗡 heroNone recorded
King of Thebes torn apart by his own mother for opposing the worship of Dionysus
Eurytion
🗡 heroHunting, archery
Argonaut and skilled hunter who later participated in the Calydonian Boar Hunt