The so-called Homeric Hymns, thirty-three in total, constitute part of the ancient tradition of rhapsodies, as well as one of the great literary mysteries, given that their writer’s identity was an issue of controversy, even in ancient times. They were dedicated to the gods and recited as preludes to various epic poems. The Homeric Hymn to Apollo is one of the most ancient and long hymns. At the end of its second part, in line 172, the poet describes himself as a blind man living in rocky Chios. The historian Thucydides attributes the Hymn to Apollo to Home, as it is considered that the creator speaks of himself in that specific line. Tip: For a fuller study on the descent of Homer from Chios and the century-long perception that the poet came from this island, you can also consult the book by Athena K. Zacharou-Loutrari, ΟΜΗΡΟΣ ΧΙΟΣ ΑΟΙΔΟΣ. Η Χίος διεκδικεί και τιμά τον ΄Ομηρο ανά τους αιώνες (‘HOMER, THE POET OF CHIOS. Chios claims and honors Homer throughout the centuries’ – original in Greek).