Demodocus, Odysseus, and the Double Standard of Authority in Speech

Od. 8 and 22 provide valuable information about the profession of the bard. An analysis of the relationship between Odysseus and Demodocus and between Odysseus and Phemius shows that the bard’s voice is authoritative not only because he learns the subject matter of his song from the gods, but also because his story is validated by those who were protagonists or eyewitnesses to the events narrated. Even in epic poetry, before historiography, there is a reflection on the conditions under which an oral tale can be considered reliable.