Other Definitions
rhapsode (dict)
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RhapsodeIn classical antiquity, a rhapsode was a professional reciter of poetry, especially the epics of Homer, but also the wisdom-verse of Hesiod and the satires of Archilochus, among others. Plato's dialogue Ion, wherein Socrates confronts a star rhapsode, remains our richest source of information on these artists. Etymologically, the term means either "stitch-singer" (because the rhapsode stitched together elements of traditional poetry in his performances) or "staff-singer" (because he held a staff as the emblem of his trade). It was much thanks to these rhapsodes that the works of Homer could be preserved until they were actually written down. It is worthwhile to notice that whereas the poets, or bards, such as Homer, filled their role as a medium through whom the muses sang (note how both the Iliad and Oddysey start with a plea to the godesses so that they may sing), the rhapsodes were no more than reciters of these true geniuses. See also: Compare:
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