Demodocus (Odyssey character)

In the Odyssey by Homer, Demodocus (/dɪˈmɒdəkəs/; Ancient Greek: Δημόδοκος, romanized: Dēmódokos) is a poet who often visits the court of Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians on the island of Scherie.

Demodocus first appears at a feast in the hall of Alcinous, after he approved that Odysseus should be provided with a ship for a safe passage home.

Everyone enjoys the singing except for Odysseus who bursts into tears because of the pain and suffering of which the song reminds him.

Only Alcinous noticed Odysseus' weeping and stopped the feast and suggests that everyone go outdoors to participate in athletic contests.

Odysseus cut off a sizable piece of pork from his own portion and told a herald to bring it to Demodocus.

Odysseus is weeping at the court of Alcinous as the blind minstrel Demodocus sings about Odysseus and Achilles at Troy while playing the harp.
Demodocus playing the harp in an illustration of Homer 's Odyssey by John Flaxman (1810)