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.