Phemius

Phemius was a character in Homer's Odyssey. He was the resident bard (or aoidos) in the household of Odysseus in Ithaca.

As the singer in Odysseus' absence, Phemius was forced to entertain the suitors who were consuming Odysseus' resources and vying for Penelope's hand. He is depicted as performing under duress, pressured to sing songs that pleased the suitors rather than choosing his own repertoire.

Odysseus, upon his return and during his slaughter of the suitors, initially intends to kill Phemius along with the rest. However, Telemachus intervenes on Phemius' behalf, vouching for his innocence and arguing that he was forced to serve the suitors against his will. Phemius himself also pleads for his life, emphasizing that he is a self-taught artist and should not be punished for simply performing his craft under compulsion.

Odysseus, recognizing the validity of these arguments, spares Phemius. This clemency highlights a degree of compassion and justice within Odysseus' character, contrasting with his ruthless treatment of the suitors. Phemius' survival also underscores the important role of the bard in ancient Greek society and the recognition that artistic skill should be valued, even when employed under unfavorable circumstances. His story is a testament to the power of persuasion and the complex moral considerations present within Homer's epic poem.