Ομήρος, known as Homer in English, was an ancient Greek poet traditionally said to be the author of two of the most important epic poems in Western literature: the Iliad and the Odyssey. These works, composed in the 8th century BCE, explore themes of heroism, honor, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus. Little is known about Ομήρος' life, and there is ongoing debate among scholars about his existence and the exact time he lived. His poems were originally passed down orally before being written down, influencing countless writers and artists throughout history. Today, Ομήρος is celebrated as a foundational figure in the literary canon.