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 was an ancient Greek poet. He is famous for writing two very long poems called the Iliad and the Odyssey. These stories are considered some of the most important works from the ancient world.

Who Was Homer?

We don't know a lot for sure about Homer. Most experts think he lived around the 8th century BC. That's a very long time ago!

We don't have any real pictures of Homer. We're not even sure if he was one person or a group of people. Some believe he was a blind poet who could remember and recite amazing stories. Others think he was a singer who traveled, sharing his tales with everyone.

Some old scholars thought Homer saw the Trojan War himself. Others believed he lived hundreds of years later.

Greece as described in the Iliad

Homer's Famous Poems: The Iliad and The Odyssey

Homer is most famous for two incredibly long poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. These poems are like super long stories. They are full of exciting adventures, brave heroes, and scary monsters. They are so long that they are often split into smaller parts called "books."

The Iliad: A Story of War and Heroes

The Iliad tells the story of the Trojan War. This was a huge battle that lasted for ten long years. The poem focuses on the anger of Achilles, a super strong warrior. It also shows the terrible things that happened because of his rage.

Many brave heroes are in the Iliad. These include Hector, the brave Trojan prince. There's also Odysseus, the clever king of Ithaca.

The Odyssey: A Hero's Long Journey Home

The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus's long trip home after the Trojan War. It took him ten years to get back to his family.

On his journey, he faced many dangers. He met angry gods and giant monsters like the Cyclops (one-eyed giants!). He also encountered beautiful but dangerous creatures like the Sirens. Sirens would try to trick sailors to their deaths with their enchanting songs.

Quick Facts About Homer's Works

• Around 8th Century BC: This is when most people think Homer lived.
• 15,693 lines: This is about how many lines are in the Iliad.
• 12,110 lines: This is about how many lines are in the Odyssey.
• 24 books each: Both the Iliad and the Odyssey are traditionally divided into 24 parts.

Why Homer's Stories Still Matter

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

Homer's stories have been super important throughout history. They have been translated into many languages. They have also inspired countless artists, writers, and filmmakers. Even today, people still read and enjoy his epic poems.

His stories teach us about courage, friendship, and loyalty. They also show us the importance of family. They help us understand the consequences of anger. And they remind us how important it is to make wise choices.

We may not know everything about Homer. But his stories continue to capture our imaginations. They offer a look into the past. They show us the beliefs, values, and adventures of people who lived thousands of years ago.

See also

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