What is the name of the bard in Odysseus's palace?

The bard in Odysseus's palace is Phemius. In Homer's Odyssey, he performs for Penelope's suitors while Odysseus is absent, singing epic stories that reflect the world of heroes, war, and the gods.

Phemius is not portrayed as one of the suitors. He is a household singer compelled to entertain them, and he later begs Odysseus for mercy when the hero returns and attacks the intruders. Odysseus spares him because Phemius performed under pressure rather than joining the suitors' wrongdoing.

A common mix-up is Demodocus, another famous bard in the Odyssey. Demodocus sings at the court of Alcinous among the Phaeacians, while Phemius belongs to Odysseus's household in Ithaca. Thamyris and Orpheus are also legendary musicians, but neither is the bard of Odysseus's palace.