noun
- plural of rhapsode; ancient Greek professional reciters who performed epic poetry, especially the works of Homer
Usage: historical; literary
Examples
- The rhapsodes traveled from city to city performing the Iliad and Odyssey.
- Ancient Greek rhapsodes memorized thousands of lines of epic poetry.
- Competitions between rhapsodes were popular entertainment in classical Greece.
- The rhapsodes helped preserve Homer’s works through oral tradition.
- Plato criticized the rhapsodes for their emotional style of recitation.
- Professional rhapsodes were skilled performers who brought epic tales to life.