Homer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Homer
Marble terminal bust of Homer. Roman copy of a lost Hellenistic original of the 2nd c. BC.
Native name	Ὅμηρος
Born	c. 8th century BC
Died	Ios
Language	Homeric Greek
Nationality	Greek
Genre	Epic
Subject	Epic cycle
Years active	fl. late 8th cent. BC
Notable works	Iliad Odyssey

Homer is the name of the Greek poet. He is best known as the author of epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, which are among the greatest treasures of the ancient world.

The Mystery man of Ancient Greece

We don't know much for sure about Homer. Most experts believe he somewhere around the 8th century BC. Imagine trying to find information about someone who lived that long ago!

We don't have any pictures of Homer, and we don't even know for sure if he was one person or a group of people who worked together. Some people think he might have been a blind poet who could tell amazing stories from memory and recite them beautifully. Others think he might have been a singer who traveled from town to town, sharing his tales with everyone.

Some ancient scholars believed Homer to have been an eyewitness to the Trojan War; others thought he had lived up to 500 years afterwards.

Greece according to the Iliad

The Iliad and the Odyssey

Homer is most famous for two incredibly long poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. These poems are like really, really long stories, filled with exciting adventures, brave heroes, and scary monsters. They're so long that they're often divided into smaller parts called "books."

• The Iliad: This poem tells the story of the Trojan War, a huge battle that lasted for ten long years. It focuses on the anger of Achilles, a super strong warrior, and the terrible consequences of his rage. There are many brave heroes in the Iliad, like Hector, the brave Trojan prince, and Odysseus, the clever king of Ithaca.

• The Odyssey: This poem tells the story of Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War. It takes him ten years to get back to his family. Along the way, he faces many dangers, including angry gods, giant monsters like Cyclops (one-eyed giants!), and beautiful but dangerous creatures like the Sirens (creatures who lure sailors to their deaths with their enchanting songs).

Important numbers and facts

• 8th Century BC (approximately): The estimated time Homer lived.
• 15,693 lines: Approximate number of lines in the Iliad.
• 12,110 lines: Approximate number of lines in the Odyssey.
• 24 books: The Iliad and the Odyssey are traditionally divided into 24 books each.

Legacy

Homer and His Guide (1874) by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Homer's stories have been incredibly important throughout history. They've been translated into many languages and have inspired countless artists, writers, and filmmakers. Even today, people still read and enjoy his epic poems. They teach us about courage, friendship, loyalty, and the importance of family. They also show us the consequences of anger and the importance of making wise choices.

While we may not know everything about Homer, his stories continue to capture our imaginations and teach us valuable lessons. They are a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the beliefs, values, and adventures of people who lived thousands of years ago.

See also

In Spanish: Homero para niños

Images for kids

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  Part of an eleventh-century manuscript, "the Townley Homer". The writings on the top and right side are scholia.

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  Homer as depicted in the 1493 Nuremberg Chronicle

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  A Reading from Homer (1885) by Lawrence Alma-Tadema