A
rhapsode or, in modern usage,
rhapsodist, refers to a
classical Greek professional performer of
epic poetry in the fifth and fourth centuries BC (and perhaps earlier). Rhapsodes notably performed the epics of
Homer (
Iliad and
Odyssey) but also the
wisdom and catalogue poetry of
Hesiod and the
satires of
Archilochus and others.
Plato's dialogue
Ion, in which
Socrates confronts a star player rhapsode, remains the most coherent source of information on these artists. Often, rhapsodes are depicted in
Greek art, wearing their signature cloak and carrying a staff. This equipment is also characteristic of travellers in general, implying that rhapsodes were itinerant performers, moving from town to town.