Why is Homer’s authorship of the Odyssey debated?

The debate surrounding Homer’s authorship of the Odyssey—often called the "Homeric Question"—stems from the complex nature of the poem's composition and the uncertainty of Homer's own existence.12

Key factors driving this debate include:

• Oral Tradition: Scholars recognize that the Odyssey emerged from a long-standing oral tradition rather than a solitary act of writing. Because oral poets inherited and reshaped traditional themes and formulas, some argue the epics were assembled over generations by multiple contributors rather than a single author.32
• The "Analyst" vs. "Unitarian" Schools: "Analysts" contend the poems are compilations of independent ballads stitched together by various hands. Conversely, "Unitarians" emphasize the artistic unity of the work, attributing its cohesive structure to a single creative genius.2
• Oral-Formulaic Theory: Research by Milman Parry demonstrated that the poems rely on a "formulaic" style, suggesting they were part of a living tradition where singers improvised using established phrases. This complicates the definition of "authorship," as the work represents both traditional evolution and individual innovation.425
• Authorship Doubts: Some scholars question whether the Iliad and Odyssey were even composed by the same person, citing differences in genre, vocabulary, and linguistic development.6